Ecuador has declared a state of emergency following the jailbreak of one of the most renowned drug gang commanders in the nation. Fito, also known as Adolfo Macias, was initially reported missing from his cell on Sunday. Following that, two prison guards were charged by Ecuador’s prosecutors as part of their inquiry into the purported escape. The head of the Los Choneros gang was incarcerated in La Regional prison for 34 years after being found guilty of murder and drug trafficking. The day he was supposed to be moved to a maximum security institution in the city of Guayaquil coincided with his alleged escape. The state of emergency was declared by President Daniel Noboa, enabling the government to revoke citizens’ rights and imprison military personnel.
The gang has links with Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, according to authorities.
Mr Villavicencio had claimed Los Choneros threatened him, but authorities have been unable to formerly accuse Macias or his group for being behind the murder.
Even from within prison, Macias was believed to have been able to exert his influence over the gang, including control of drug trafficking routes and territory.
Since 2021, at least 400 inmates have died within prisons in Ecuador, according to authorities.
