U.S. Offers Reward for Los Choneros Leader
The Trump administration is putting a $5 million bounty on the head of Francisco Manuel Bermudez Cagua, a key figure in the Los Choneros gang, which the State Department labeled a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) back in September. This gang is notorious for drug and firearm smuggling into the U.S. and has committed severe acts of violence.
Bermudez, also known as “Turon,” is just 29 years old and faces serious charges, including conspiracy for international cocaine distribution and using a firearm in connection with drug trafficking, according to a superseding indictment filed in the Eastern District of New York.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for that district made the indictment public in June. Joseph Nocera, Jr., the U.S. Attorney for the area, emphasized the violent nature of the organization, stating, “As alleged, Bermudez Cagua is a top official in the leadership of Los Choneros, an extremely violent foreign terrorist organization that traffics drugs into the United States, harms our communities, and wreaks havoc in his homeland of Ecuador.” He also mentioned that the significant reward reflects the government’s commitment to pursuing justice against these leaders.
Interestingly, another co-conspirator, Jose Adolfo Macias Villamar, better known as “Fito,” was extradited to New York in July 2025. He also faces charges related to drug trafficking and firearms. Dario Javier Peñafiel Nieto, who goes by “Topo,” is another co-conspirator listed in the indictment and is currently detained in Ecuador.
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, represented by Chris Lundberg, reiterated their intention to tackle those involved in drug trafficking, stating, “We will use every tool at our disposal to stop the brutal criminals who traffic deadly drugs into our country.”
According to the indictment, Los Choneros is among the most violent transnational criminal organizations operating outside of Ecuador. They’re known for transporting large quantities of cocaine from South America, using routes through Central America and Mexico, and eventually into the United States.
Interestingly, the indictment claims that the leaders of Los Choneros not only traffic drugs but are also responsible for orchestrating acts of violence to further their criminal agenda. The State Department officially recognized Los Choneros as an FTO in September 2025.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Director Terrence Cole commented on the severity of Bermudez-Cagua’s allegations, saying, “He is a high-level narco-terrorist whose actions accelerated the flow of cocaine into the United States and created chaos in Ecuador.” The DEA is actively pushing to bring him to justice.
Anyone who might have information about Bermudez-Cagua’s location is encouraged to reach out to the DEA at Ecuadortips@dea.gov or call +593-988-292-235. All tips will be kept confidential.
