BBC News logo
NBC News logo
El Pais logo
8 articles
·6d

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

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

  • 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.

Content generated by AI—learn more or report issue.

Pano Newsletter

Get both sides in 5 minutes with our daily newsletter.

Analysis

Compare how each side frames the story — including which facts they emphasize or leave out.

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 Ecuadorian army confirmed Macías' recapture in a house basement.

Associated Press logo
CBS News logo
ABC News logo
4 articles
100%

'Fito' was recaptured in Manta, Ecuador.

Associated Press logo
ABC News logo
NBC News logo
3 articles
100%

He was wanted by authorities in both Ecuador and the United States.

Associated Press logo
ABC News logo
NBC News logo
3 articles
100%

Macías, leader of 'Los Choneros', was indicted in New York City for drug trafficking, specifically importing cocaine into the United States.

Associated Press logo
ABC News logo
NBC News logo
3 articles
100%

Interpol issued an arrest warrant for Macías following his escape from prison in early 2024.

CBS News logo
ABC News logo
NBC News logo
3 articles
100%

A video captured the moment of Macías' arrest by uniformed officers, one of whom aimed a gun at him.

Associated Press logo
CBS News logo
NBC News logo
3 articles
100%

Macías has a lengthy criminal history involving murder and organized crime.

Associated Press logo
NBC News logo
2 articles
100%

In early 2024, he escaped from Guayaquil Regional Prison while serving a 34-year sentence for drug trafficking.

Associated Press logo
ABC News logo
2 articles
100%

Macías has achieved a cult status among gang members and the public in Ecuador.

Associated Press logo
CBS News logo
2 articles
100%

Articles (8)

Compare how different news outlets are covering this story.

Center (5)

"…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."

Ecuador's most wanted drug lord 'Fito' captured in 'underground bunker'
BBC NewsBBC News·6d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…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."

José Adolfo Macías, drug trafficker wanted in U.S., recaptured in Ecuador more than a year after escape
CBS NewsCBS News·6d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

FAQ

Dig deeper on this story with frequently asked questions.

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

See how this story has evolved over time.

  • 6d
    CBS News logo
    Associated Press logo
    CNN logo
    3 articles