Colombia captures Ecuadorian drug lord 'Javi,' brother of 'Fito'

Colombian authorities have captured Ronald Javier Macías Villamar, known as "Javi," a high-ranking figure in the Ecuadorian criminal organization Los Choneros and the brother of its leader, "Fito." The Minister of Defense, Pedro Sánchez Suárez, announced the arrest in Bogotá, calling it a significant blow against transnational organized crime networks.

Sánchez Suárez highlighted the successful capture, stating that "Javi" was hiding in Colombia to continue his criminal activities. He also recalled the previous arrest of "Fede," another Los Choneros member, in Medellín. The minister emphasized the effectiveness of international cooperation, noting that "when nations unite, criminals lose." He pointed to the reduction in homicides along the shared border as evidence of successful coordinated efforts, with 15,000 troops deployed along the 586-kilometer frontier.

Ecuador's Prosecutor's Office confirmed that "Javi" will be extradited to face charges of alleged money laundering and is wanted by Interpol. Ecuadorian authorities believe Macías Villamar led Los Choneros' international expansion and was living in Colombia under a false identity. He is reportedly under investigation for laundering over $25 million from illicit activities. The capture comes as Ecuador intensifies efforts to dismantle Los Choneros, which President Daniel Noboa's government identifies as a key driver of the country's escalating violence.