José Adolfo Macías, Notorious Gang Leader, Recaptured After Year-Long Manhunt
José Adolfo Macías, alias 'Fito', was recaptured in Manta, Ecuador, after escaping prison over a year ago, highlighting ongoing efforts against organized crime.
Overview
- José Adolfo Macías, known as 'Fito', was recaptured in Manta, Ecuador, after escaping from Guayaquil Regional Prison in early 2024.
- Fito is the leader of the Los Choneros gang, linked to high murder rates and designated as a terrorist group by Ecuador's president.
- He was indicted in New York City for drug trafficking, prompting an Interpol arrest warrant following his prison escape.
- The Ecuadorian government had offered a $1 million reward for information leading to Macías's capture, reflecting his notoriety.
- His capture marks a significant development in Ecuador's ongoing efforts to combat organized crime, alongside the recent arrest of another gang leader.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the recapture of José Adolfo Macías as a significant law enforcement success, emphasizing his criminal background and the international implications of his actions. They convey a sense of urgency and authority, reflecting a bias towards highlighting governmental efforts against organized crime while maintaining a neutral tone.
"The capture of Fito marks a significant moment in Ecuador's ongoing battle against organized crime, which has transformed the country into a hotspot for violence and drug trafficking."
BBC News"Ecuadorian authorities have yet to explain how he escaped."
NBC News"Ecuadorian authorities have recaptured fugitive drug trafficker José Adolfo Macías, also known as “Fito,” more than a year after his prison escape."
ABC News"The Ecuadorian government and drug mafias also declared war on each other, and Noboa gave orders to "neutralize" criminal gangs after gunmen stormed and opened fire in the TV studio and bandits threatened random executions of civilians and security forces."
CBS News"Ecuadorian authorities have yet to explain how he escaped."
Associated PressArticles (8)
Center (5)
FAQ
Officials have not yet explained how José Adolfo Macías escaped from Guayaquil Regional Prison. His absence was only discovered when the military arrived to transfer him and found his cell empty.
José Adolfo Macías is indicted in New York City for drug trafficking and faces international drug and gun charges, including distributing cocaine globally and smuggling firearms and ammunition from the US into Ecuador with the help of Mexican cartels.
Los Choneros is an organized crime syndicate involved in drug trafficking, extortion, robbery, and violent acts, with connections to criminal groups in Colombia, Peru, and Mexico. The gang has been designated as a terrorist organization by the Ecuadorian government and is linked to high murder rates.
The Ecuadorian government offered a $1 million reward for information leading to Macías's capture and declared a 60-day state of emergency following his escape. Interpol issued an arrest warrant, and the government requested his extradition to the US.
While imprisoned, José Adolfo Macías had a cult status and was known for throwing parties in prison, having access to alcohol and cockfighting matches. In 2023, he released a video addressed to the Ecuadorian people, flanked by armed men.
History
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