José Adolfo Macías, drug trafficker wanted in U.S., recaptured in Ecuador more than a year after escape

José Adolfo Macías Villamar, a fugitive drug trafficker known as Fito and wanted by authorities in Ecuador and the United States, was recaptured more than a year after he escaped from prison in the Andean nation, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced Wednesday.

Macías, who led a gang called "Los Choneros" in Ecuador, was captured in the Ecuadorian city of Manta, his hometown, officials in Ecuador said. In April, He was indicted in New York City on charges he imported thousands of pounds of cocaine into the United States.

"More will fall, we will reclaim the country. No truce," Noboa said in an X post announcing Macías' arrest. "We have done our part to proceed with Fito's extradition to the United States, we are awaiting their response."