Ecuador’s Top Drug Lord “Fito” Extradited to U.S. After Shocking Prison Escape

One of Ecuador’s most dangerous crime bosses has just been extradited to the United States. Jose Adolfo Macias, better known as “Fito,” was captured last month after escaping from prison earlier this year — an event that triggered a wave of violence across Ecuador. Now, U.S. prosecutors are preparing to try him on serious drug trafficking and weapons charges.

Here’s what happened, who’s involved, and why it matters.

Who Is “Fito” and Why Is He Important?

Jose Adolfo Macias, known as “Fito,” is the leader of Los Choneros, a major criminal gang based in Ecuador. The group is believed to be one of the country’s most powerful drug trafficking organizations. U.S. authorities say Los Choneros have been responsible for smuggling large amounts of cocaine from Ecuador to other countries.

Since 2020, Macias has reportedly been running the gang, even while in prison. His influence stretched far beyond jail walls, contributing to growing violence and instability in Ecuador.

How the Extradition Happened

On Sunday, July 21, Ecuadorian officials confirmed that Macias had been handed over to U.S. authorities. He was moved from a maximum-security prison in Guayaquil to the city’s airport, where a U.S. Justice Department plane picked him up.

The plane landed in Guayaquil around 12:45 p.m. local time and took off after 2 p.m. According to local media and aviation authorities, the extradition was carried out with tight security. A photo shared by Ecuador’s prison agency showed Macias wearing shorts, a T-shirt, a helmet, and a bulletproof vest, surrounded by heavily armed officers.

The Charges He Faces in the U.S.

Macias was indicted in April in a federal court in Brooklyn, New York. He faces seven charges, including drug trafficking and smuggling firearms. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to at least 10 years in prison — or even life.

A court document filed on Sunday in New York stated that Macias was brought to the U.S. “for the sole purpose of facing prosecution.” U.S. prosecutors also asked that he be kept in custody until his trial, arguing he is both a danger to the public and a flight risk.

His U.S. attorney, Alexei Schacht, confirmed that Macias is expected to appear in Brooklyn federal court on Monday, though the exact time of the hearing was not shared.

A Violent Escape That Shook Ecuador

Earlier this year, in January 2024, Macias escaped from prison in Guayaquil. At the time, he was serving a 34-year sentence for homicide and drug trafficking. His escape set off a violent chain of events across the country.

Shortly afterward, criminal gangs staged a terrifying attack on a live television broadcast — storming the studio and holding the crew hostage on-air. The incident shocked the nation and caught international attention.

In response, Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa declared an “internal armed conflict” and officially labeled Los Choneros and 21 other gangs as terrorist groups. The government also ramped up efforts to hunt down escaped gang leaders.

Captured in a Hidden Bunker

After more than a year on the run, Macias was finally recaptured in June. Authorities found him hiding inside a secret underground bunker beneath a luxury villa in Ecuador’s Manabí province.

The mansion was no ordinary hideout. Police said it featured marble walls, a private gym, and a game room — suggesting that Macias had been living in comfort while in hiding.

His arrest was a major win for Ecuadorian authorities, who had been under intense pressure to restore order following the wave of violence tied to his escape.

What Happens Next?

With Macias now in U.S. custody, American prosecutors will lead the case against him. Given the seriousness of the charges and his criminal background, the trial will likely draw international attention.

If convicted, the longtime gang leader could spend the rest of his life in a U.S. prison. His extradition also marks a major shift in how Ecuador is handling organized crime — showing a willingness to cooperate more closely with international partners to fight drug trafficking.

For now, all eyes are on Brooklyn federal court, where one of Latin America’s most infamous drug lords will soon stand trial.