Major Drug Lord Arrested in Ecuador

This week, Ecuadorian authorities, alongside U.S. officials, captured Jose Adolfo “Phito” Macias, head of the “Los Choneros” cartel. This arrest marks a significant development in the fight against organized crime in Ecuador. President Daniel Novoa took to social media to announce the news, linking the operation to new laws he has advocated for to tackle crime more aggressively.

A video shared by Novoa revealed the dramatic moment when authorities found Macias concealed in a bunker. In it, officials emphasized their commitment to combating organized crime instead of seeking negotiations.

Following the arrest, Novoa shared more information, stating that procedures were already underway to facilitate Macias’s extradition to the U.S.

Macias and his organization have been linked to escalating violence in Ecuador, contributing to a surge in murder rates. He has a history of imprisonment and reportedly escaped custody in 2024 amid widespread turmoil as cartel activities intensified, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency. Macias took control of Los Choneros after his predecessor’s death in 2020.

Los Choneros stands as the dominant criminal group in Ecuador, with a presence that has lasted over two decades.