The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted José Adolfo Macías Villamar, alias “Fito,” on multiple drug trafficking and weapons charges in New York City, officials announced Wednesday. The fugitive leader of Los Choneros, Ecuador’s most violent drug cartel, is accused of orchestrating a massive cocaine distribution network that funneled thousands of pounds of drugs into the United States.
International Drug Empire
Federal prosecutors allege that Los Choneros partnered with Mexican cartels to smuggle cocaine from South America through Central America and Mexico into the U.S. The indictment, unsealed in Brooklyn federal court, also charges an unidentified co-conspirator with drug and weapons trafficking.
“The defendant was a ruthless leader and prolific drug trafficker for a violent transnational criminal organization,” said U.S. Attorney John Durham.
The Mexican drug cartels also smuggled firearms, ammunition, and weapon components from the U.S. into Ecuador to arm its hitmen and enforcers, according to the indictment.
A Notorious Criminal Still on the Run
Macías, who escaped from an Ecuadorian prison in January 2024, remains at large. While incarcerated, he reportedly lived in luxury, throwing cockfighting matches and releasing propaganda videos flanked by armed gang members. He was serving a 34-year sentence for drug trafficking and organized crime when he vanished.
The Ecuadorian government has declared Los Choneros a terrorist organization and recently increased the reward for Macías’ capture to $1 million.
Violence and Influence
Los Choneros has brutally enforced its control over drug routes, targeting law enforcement, politicians, lawyers, and civilians who get in its way. The gang’s reach extends beyond Ecuador, with U.S. officials labeling it one of the most dangerous criminal groups in the region.
The indictment marks a major step in the international crackdown on drug cartels, but with Macías still evading capture, authorities continue their global manhunt for one of the world’s most wanted criminals
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