**Ecuador's Infamous Drug Lord "Fito" Captured After Dramatic Operation**

**The capture highlights ongoing efforts in Ecuador to combat rising crime and drug violence.**

Police in Ecuador successfully re-arrested one of the country’s most notorious fugitives, drug lord Adolfo Macías Villamar, believed to be the mastermind behind the Los Choneros gang. Known by his alias “Fito,” he has been implicated in escalating violence and has been linked to the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in 2023. Authorities found him in a hidden underground bunker beneath a luxurious residence in Manta, following a meticulous 10-hour operation involving both police and military forces.

The operation was executed without a single shot being fired. Officers had previously surveilled the three-story home in the Monterrey area before launching the raid. Upon invasion, they discovered a cleverly concealed sliding trap door that led to Fito’s underground lair. This bunker was surprisingly equipped with air conditioning, a bed, and even a fridge, suggesting a level of comfort that belies his criminal status. The upper levels of the house included amenities like a gym and entertainment rooms, underlining the wealth Fito had amassed through illegal activities.

Following his capture, Fito was promptly airlifted to Guayaquil, home to several major correctional facilities in Ecuador, notably the La Roca maximum-security prison. Footage showed him in casual attire, escorted by heavily armed guards. His apprehension was praised by Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, who emphasized the significance of this operation in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and gang violence. Noboa announced intentions to extradite Fito to the United States, where he faces charges related to cocaine smuggling.

Fito’s notorious reputation was reinforced by his previous escapes—he had fled La Regional prison in Guayaquil earlier this year with assistance from prison guards, igniting a series of violent prison riots. During his prior incarceration, he managed to orchestrate gang operations and maintain his grip on Los Choneros, which grew increasingly violent as it forged alliances with powerful Mexican cartels like the Sinaloa cartel. These partnerships have led to the adoption of brutal tactics, including beheadings, echoing those employed by Mexican drug gangs.

In recent weeks, Fito made headlines with a music video where his daughter celebrated his criminal legacy while he remained behind bars. His previous escape in January had severely challenged President Noboa's administration, which had pledged to address the growing influence of gangs since his election.

After his recapture, Noboa expressed renewed confidence in his administration's strategy. He suggested that further actions against drug lords would restore order in the country, proclaiming on social media that "more [drug lords] will fall, we will regain [control of] the country."