Leader of Ecuador's Los Choneros Indicted in U.S. on Drug and Firearms Charges

José Adolfo Macías Villamar, known as 'Fito,' faces charges in Brooklyn federal court for leading a violent transnational criminal network trafficking cocaine and smuggling firearms.

José Adolfo Macías Villamar, leader of Los Choneros, has been indicted in Brooklyn on charges including international cocaine distribution and firearms trafficking.
The indictment reveals Los Choneros partnered with Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel to control cocaine trafficking routes from South America to the U.S.
The organization smuggled firearms from the U.S. to Ecuador, using military-grade weapons for violent enforcement, including murder and kidnapping.
Los Choneros relied on corruption, bribes, and hitmen to maintain control, targeting law enforcement, politicians, and civilians in Ecuador.
The charges are part of Operation Take Back America, a U.S. initiative against transnational criminal organizations; Fito remains at large.

U.S. Department of Justice

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