A war-like situation is prevailing in Ecuador after drug kingpin Adolfo Macias aka "Fito" escaped a high-security prison. It was the second time when Adolfo Macias aka "Fito" escaped the prison after being arrested dramatically. Following Adolfo Macias aka "Fito" escape, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced a state of emergency and deployed an army in many areas including Guayaquil. After Adolfo Macias' escape, his drug lords and his 'own army' launched an attack on multiple public places including hijacking a state-owned TV studio Guayaquil TC station. Not only this, the gunmen also entered the University of Guayaquil, attempting to kidnap students, and Teodoro Maldonado Hospital, where they have been attempting to kidnap doctors. Now, the question arises who is Adolfo Macias aka "Fito" whose escape has brought Ecuador to the brink of collapse? Below is everything you need to know about Adolfo Macias aka "Fito"-
Who is Adolfo Macias aka "Fito"?
As mentioned above Adolfo Macias aka "Fito" is a drug kingpin and the leader of Los Choneros, an Ecuadorian gang with links to Mexico's infamous Sinaloa cartel. Adolfo Macias was serving a 34-year sentence for drug trafficking and murder. Authorities of Ecuador hold Adolfo Macias' gang Los Choneros responsible for the increase in violence over the last year - and oversaw the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. Notably, Adolfo Macias's current whereabouts remain unclear, however, two prison guards have had charges filed against them following his escape.
As per reports, Fito is the biggest criminal in Ecuador. Ecuador's Presidential Candidate, Fernando Villavicencio, was shot three times in the head leaving a campaign rally in August 2023. Before his murder, he claimed to have been threatened by Fito and was seemingly scared. Reports further suggest that Fito or Macias controls all crime in Ecuador. He is a member of Los Choneros the operating arm of Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel.
Before his latest escape, Fito fled from the prison compound. In 2013, Fito and 17 other inmates broke out of La Roca and fled in boats on the River Daule, which borders the compound. However, the fugitive was captured along with his brother, a fellow member of Los Choneros, four months later at their mother's home in the city of Manta. Ever since Fito was serving a 34-year sentence. However, he has escaped again, and his current location is unknown to the Ecuadorian authorities.