José Adolfo Macías, alias “Fito,” leader of the "Los Choneros" gang and wanted in the U.S. for cocaine trafficking, was recaptured in Manta, Ecuador, on Wednesday, over a year after his escape from Guayaquil Regional Prison. His recapture comes as another gang leader, Federico Gómez, alias “Fede,” recently escaped. Macías, indicted in New York City, has a cult status and extensive criminal record, with his gang linked to Mexican cartels and classified as a terrorist organization in Ecuador.
Ecuador recaptures gang leader wanted in the United States more than a year after his prison escape
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️José Adolfo Macías, alias “Fito,” leader of the "Los Choneros" gang and wanted in the U.S. for cocaine trafficking, was recaptured in Manta, Ecuador, on Wednesday, over a year after his escape from Guayaquil Regional Prison. His recapture comes as another gang leader, Federico Gómez, alias “Fede,” recently escaped. Macías, indicted in New York City, has a cult status and extensive criminal record, with his gang linked to Mexican cartels and classified as a terrorist organization in Ecuador.
Trending- 1 Early 2024: "Fito" escaped from Guayaquil Regional Prison
- 2 Since at least 2020: "Fito" led Los Choneros
- 3 2023: "Fito" released video from prison
- 4 Earlier this month: Reward for "Fito" increased to US$1 million
- 5 Wednesday (June 25, 2025): "Fito" recaptured in Manta
- 6 This week: Federico Gómez confirmed to have escaped from prison
- Recapture of a major gang leader
- Ongoing efforts to combat organized crime in Ecuador
- Highlights challenges with prison escapes and gang influence
What: José Adolfo Macías, alias “Fito,” a fugitive drug trafficker and gang leader, was recaptured.
When: Wednesday (June 25, 2025), more than a year after his prison escape (early 2024), since at least 2020 (Macias leading Los Choneros), 2023 (video from prison), earlier this month (reward increased).
Where: Manta, Ecuador (recapture location), Guayaquil Regional Prison (escape location), New York City (indictment), South America, Central America, Mexico, United States (drug routes).
Why: He was a fugitive wanted for drug trafficking and organized crime, and his recapture is part of efforts to combat gang violence.
How: Ecuadorian army operation, found hiding in a house.