The leader of Los Choneros, extradited from Ecuador, is facing formal charges in the U.S. for international cocaine trafficking and firearm use. The prosecution has labeled him as a “significant danger.
José Adolfo Macías Villamar, known as “Fito,” the leader of Los Choneros, appeared in the Eastern District Court of New York, pleading not guilty to drug trafficking and firearm charges before a temporary judge, who outlined the allegations against him as well as his rights. He faces a potential life sentence in the U.S.
José Adolfo Macías Villamar, a.k.a. “Fito,” allegedly the head of the powerful Ecuadorian criminal organization Los Choneros, made his first court appearance at the Federal Court for the Eastern District of New York. During the reading of charges, Fito declared himself not guilty, but a report suggested that he might be willing to admit to the facts and cooperate with U.S. justice. However, we will have to wait for the developments.
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed formal charges that include international cocaine trafficking, firearm use, and arms smuggling. The prosecution seeks permanent detention, citing the “extraordinary danger to the community” he poses and his history of escapes, violence, and criminal leadership from prison.
The judge has scheduled the next court hearing for September 19, 2025, when Macías Villamar, alias “Fito”, must appear before the presiding judge.
Who is alias Fito and why is he in the U.S.?
Macías Villamar was extradited on July 20 from Ecuador after his recapture on June 25 in Manta, where he was found hiding in a luxury bunker. He is identified as the top leader of Los Choneros, a drug trafficking organization that has spread terror in Ecuador since the 1990s.
According to U.S. authorities, Los Choneros have been key players in cocaine trafficking from South America to the U.S., in alliance with Mexican cartels like the Sinaloa Cartel. Moreover, the Ecuadorian government under Daniel Noboa does not rule out possible links between Los Choneros and the Tren de Aragua, declared a terrorist organization involved in organized crime in the country.
Federal charges against Fito
The formal indictment contains seven serious charges:
Conspiracy to distribute cocaine internationally
Distribution with the intention to import to the U.S.
Use of firearms in relation to drug trafficking
Smuggling and trafficking of arms from the U.S. to Ecuador
Purchasing weapons through third parties (front men)
Each of these crimes carries penalties ranging from 10 years to life in prison, depending on the trial outcome.
Government arguments: a risk that cannot be freed
The prosecution submitted a memorandum to the court arguing that Fito represents an “extreme flight risk” and an active threat to public safety, even from prison.
The document details his two prior prison escapes (2013 and 2024), his ability to operate from cells using phones and the internet, and his alleged role in ordering murders, extortion, and terrorist acts in Ecuador.
Sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury and considered a terrorist
Alias Fito was sanctioned by the OFAC in February 2024. His organization, Los Choneros, was labeled a terrorist group in Ecuador and linked to transnational crime activities, money laundering, and bribery.
What’s next?
After the charges were read, Judge Frederic Block is expected to make a decision regarding his permanent detention. If found guilty, Fito could face life imprisonment in a U.S. federal prison.
International context and repercussions
The extradition and prosecution of Fito occur amidst increasing judicial cooperation between Ecuador and the United States to combat transnational organized crime. His case could set a precedent for future processes against other drug gang leaders.