27-06-2025

Notorious Drug Traffickers Captured, Face US Charges

Date: 27-06-2025
Sources: cbsnews.com: 2 | news.sky.com: 1 | washingtonpost.com: 1
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Image Source:

Source: cbsnews.com

Image content: The image depicts a man, possibly a detainee, being escorted by two men in military or law enforcement uniforms. The central figure wears a blue shirt and is flanked by a camouflage-clad individual on the left and another in dark attire on the right, both of whom appear to be accompanying or guarding him.

Summary

Ecuadorian authorities recaptured notorious drug trafficker José Adolfo Macías, known as 'Fito', after a year on the run, while former Venezuelan spy chief Hugo Carvajal pleaded guilty to US drug trafficking charges, including narco-terrorism.

Key Points

  • José Adolfo Macías, leader of the Choneros gang, was recaptured in Manta, Ecuador, hiding under a kitchen counter, after a $1 million reward was offered for information leading to his capture.
  • Hugo Carvajal, former Venezuelan spymaster, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges, including narco-terrorism, in a Manhattan federal court, facing a minimum 50-year prison sentence.
  • Both cases highlight the ongoing efforts to combat international drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, with the US seeking extradition of Macías and Carvajal's guilty plea potentially providing valuable insights into Venezuela's inner workings.

Articles in this Cluster

José Adolfo Macías, drug trafficker wanted in U.S., recaptured in Ecuador more than a year after escape - CBS News

José Adolfo Macías Villamar, a notorious Ecuadorian drug trafficker known as "Fito," was recaptured in his hometown of Manta, Ecuador, more than a year after escaping from prison. Macías led the gang "Los Choneros" and was wanted by authorities in Ecuador and the US, where he was indicted on charges of importing thousands of pounds of cocaine. He was found hiding in a hole beneath a kitchen counter in a house and was arrested by Ecuadorian authorities. The recapture comes after a period of violence in Ecuador, including riots, bombings, and kidnappings, following his escape. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced the arrest, stating that "more will fall" and that they are awaiting the US response to proceed with Macías' extradition.

Ex-Venezuela spy chief "El Pollo" pleads guilty to U.S. drug trafficking charges including narco-terrorism - CBS News

Former Venezuelan spymaster Hugo "El Pollo" Carvajal pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges, including narco-terrorism, in a Manhattan federal court. Carvajal, who was close to late President Hugo Chávez, was extradited from Spain in 2023 after over a decade on the run. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 50 years in prison. Carvajal allegedly led a cartel with senior Venezuelan military officers that attempted to smuggle cocaine into the US, working with Colombian leftist guerrillas. His guilty plea may be a gamble to gain credit for cooperating with US efforts against Venezuela, potentially providing valuable insights on the country's inner workings and spying activities.

Fito - Ecuador's most-wanted fugitive - found hiding under kitchen counter after a year on the run | World News | Sky News

Ecuador's most-wanted fugitive, Jose Adolfo Macias, also known as "Fito", has been recaptured after a year on the run. He was found hiding under a kitchen counter in his hometown of Manta following a 10-hour operation. "Fito" led a gang called Los Choneros and had an extensive criminal record, including charges of murder and organised crime. He was sentenced to 34 years in prison in 2011 and was due to face international drug and gun charges in a New York court. The US has classified Los Choneros as one of the world's most violent gangs, and Ecuador has described it as a terrorist organisation. Ecuador has requested his extradition to the US.

Ecuador reveals how notorious gang leader 'Fito' hid in his hometown for 18 months after jailbreak - The Washington Post

Ecuadorian authorities captured Adolfo "Fito" Macias, the leader of the Choneros gang, after an 18-month search. Macias had escaped from prison in January 2024 and was found hiding at a family member's mansion in his hometown. A $1 million reward was offered for information leading to his capture.