José Adolfo Macías Villamar, widely known as “Fito”, and alleged supreme leader of the most notorious and violent criminal organization in Ecuador, Los Choneros, has been extradited to the United States. He is scheduled to appear tomorrow before Judge Frederic Block in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, where he faces a superseding indictment including charges of international cocaine distribution and firearms offenses, potentially leading to a life sentence.
The U.S. Department of Justice, via the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, has formally requested a permanent detention order for Macías Villamar, citing an “extraordinary danger to the community” and a “significant risk of flight.” The government memorandum submitted to Judge Block paints a chilling picture of the terror regime of Los Choneros in Ecuador, highlighting Macías Villamar’s alleged direct involvement.
Los Choneros: A Reign of Violence and Drug Trafficking
According to government records, Macías Villamar led Los Choneros, a transnational criminal organization, until his capture on June 25, 2025. This group has established extensive networks throughout Ecuador for drug and firearms trafficking, as well as kidnappings and murders. They are accused of transporting tons of cocaine from South America through Central America and Mexico for distribution in the United States and beyond.
Reports indicate that Los Choneros’ involvement in drug trafficking dates back to the 1990s, serving as a key factor in the spike of violence that has plagued Ecuador since 2020. The group allegedly collaborated with Mexican cartels, including the notorious Sinaloa Cartel, to facilitate cocaine transport. This alliance, according to the government, yielded massive profits, fueling the group’s growth in membership, infamy, and wealth.
To protect their operations, Los Choneros and their associates reportedly employed hitmen and resorted to corruption and bribery. These hitmen are described as a security apparatus utilizing military-grade weapons, such as machine guns, AK-47s, and grenades to carry out acts of violence against law enforcement, politicians, lawyers, prosecutors, and civilians in Ecuador. Ecuador has officially classified Los Choneros as a terrorist organization.
Sanctions and Escapes: The Elusive History of “Fito”
Macías Villamar has no legal status in the United States. Notably, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned both Macías Villamar and Los Choneros on February 7, 2024, for their alleged material contribution to the international proliferation of illegal drugs. This action followed a pronounced rise in violence in Ecuador attributed to the organization.
The government memorandum outlines Macías Villamar’s history of evading justice. In 2011, he was arrested in Ecuador for drug trafficking and organized crime and sentenced to 34 years in prison. However, in February 2013, he escaped with other Los Choneros members by immobilizing fourteen prison guards. He was recaptured months later.
Even from prison, Macías Villamar reportedly continued directing Los Choneros’ criminal activities, using contraband cell phones and the internet to issue orders and threats. In a brazen act in January 2024, he escaped from prison again, just two days before being transferred to a maximum-security facility. He remained on the run for nearly 18 months, allegedly leading Los Choneros while evading Ecuadorian security forces. He still faces numerous charges in Ecuador, including murder, robbery, possession of firearms, and drug trafficking.
Recaptured in a Hidden Bunker and Charges in the U.S.
After an extensive 18-month search, Ecuadorian Special Forces recaptured Macías Villamar on June 25, 2025, in the port city of Manta, a known stronghold of Los Choneros. He was found hiding in a custom-built hidden bunker beneath a luxury villa complex equipped with a pool, gym, and game room. The bunker featured a hidden trapdoor and was furnished with a bed, refrigerator, and air conditioning.
Two days after his recapture, a grand jury in the Eastern District of New York issued a superseding indictment with seven counts against Macías Villamar and two accomplices. The charges include:
First Charge: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine internationally (21 U.S.C. §§ 963, 960(b)(1)(B)(ii) and 959(d)).
Second Charge: Participation in the international distribution of cocaine intending to illegally import it into the United States (21 U.S.C. §§ 959(a), 959(d), 960(a)(3) and 960(b)(1)(B)(ii)). Each charge carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Fifth Charge: Use of a firearm in relation to the aforementioned offenses (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)), with a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years consecutive.
Sixth and Seventh Charges: Smuggling firearms from the U.S. to Ecuador (18 U.S.C. §§ 371 and 554) and participation in a conspiracy to purchase firearms through straw purchases (18 U.S.C. §§ 932(b)(1), 932(b)(2) and 932(c)(2)). These charges carry maximum sentences of 10 and 25 years, respectively.
Arguments for Detention: Danger and Risk of Flight
The U.S. government argues for the permanent detention of Macías Villamar under the Bail Reform Act, stating that no conditions can ensure the safety of the community or his appearance at trial. They emphasize the seriousness of the charges, the weight of the evidence, and Macías Villamar’s history and characteristics.
The government asserts that Macías Villamar’s leadership of a prolific drug and arms trafficking organization, his alleged use of violence against civilians and law enforcement, and his history of committing crimes from prison (including ordering executions and mocking the government) demonstrate an “extraordinary danger to the community.”
His two previous prison escapes are highlighted, along with his alleged ongoing leadership of Los Choneros while on the run.
Extradition of José Adolfo Macías, alias “Fito”
U.S. Prosecutor: “Extraordinary Danger to the Community”
`Los Choneros: Violence, Drugs, and Weapons from Ecuador
Possible sentence: Life in prison in the U.S.?