Background on Fito and His Criminal Organization
Adolfo Macías, known by his alias “Fito,” is a prominent Ecuadorian drug trafficker and leader of the notorious Los Choneros gang. This criminal organization is also involved in arms trafficking and hired killings. Fito was previously serving a 34-year sentence in a Guayaquil prison when he escaped in January 2024.
His recapture occurred two weeks later in his hometown of Manta, a fishing port that served as the base for Los Choneros. The United States has accused Fito of seven charges, including cocaine and arms trafficking.
Extradition Process Initiated by the United States
On Tuesday, the United States formally requested Fito’s extradition from Ecuador through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The request was presented to José Suing Nagua, the president of the Supreme Court of Justice (CNJ). The CNJ confirmed that Fito is “required by the U.S. justice system.”
The extradition process will follow Ecuador’s legal framework, as stated by the CNJ in their official communication.
Impact on Ecuador’s Drug War
Fito’s extradition marks the first time an Ecuadorian national will be handed over to the United States following a referendum in April 2024, which approved the extradition of nationals. This move was proposed by President Daniel Noboa, who has been waging a war against organized crime.
John Durham, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Brooklyn, described Fito as a ruthless leader and prolific drug trafficker for a violent transnational criminal organization.
Ecuador, once a peaceful haven between Colombia and Peru (the world’s leading cocaína producers), has become one of the most violent nations due to power struggles among criminal groups linked to international cartels.
- Homicide Rate: The homicide rate in Ecuador soared from 6 per 100,000 people in 2018 to 38 per 100,000 people in 2024, with a record high of 47 in 2023.
- Cocaine Transit: Ecuador acknowledges that 73% of the world’s cocaína passes through its territory. In 2024, the country seized a record-breaking 294 tons of drugs—mainly cocaine—compared to 221 tons in 2023.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Fito? Adolfo Macías, alias “Fito,” is a high-ranking Ecuadorian drug trafficker and leader of the Los Choneros gang, involved in cocaine, arms trafficking, and hired killings.
- Why is the United States seeking Fito’s extradition? The U.S. has accused Fito of seven charges, including cocaine and arms trafficking.
- What is the significance of Fito’s extradition for Ecuador? This will be the first time an Ecuadorian national is extradited to the U.S., reflecting President Daniel Noboa’s war against organized crime.
- How has Ecuador been affected by drug trafficking? Once a peaceful region between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador has become increasingly violent due to power struggles among criminal groups linked to international cartels. The homicide rate has risen dramatically, and Ecuador admits to being a transit point for 73% of the world’s cocaína production.
