Drug Lord 'Fito's' Brother Arrives in Ecuador, Sent to Maximum Security Prison

Ronald Javier Macías Villamar, identified as a key leader of Ecuador's oldest criminal gang, Los Choneros, and the brother of its top boss, José Adolfo Macías Villamar, known as 'Fito,' has been returned to Ecuador following his expulsion from Colombia. He was immediately sent to a maximum-security prison upon arrival.

Macías Villamar, also known as 'Javi,' was apprehended in Bogotá after being flagged by Interpol. He had been residing in Colombia under a false identity using Colombian documents. Ecuador's Interior Minister, John Reimberg, announced his capture and stated that 'Javi' would be sent to the Cárcel del Encuentro, a prison established under President Daniel Noboa's initiative, inspired by El Salvador's prison model.

This high-security facility houses other prominent criminal figures and politicians. 'Javi' will await extradition to the United States, where he faces charges of alleged drug trafficking and other offenses, mirroring the charges his brother 'Fito' is currently facing in a New York court. According to the minister, 'Javi' assumed leadership of Los Choneros after 'Fito' went into hiding. The minister asserted that Los Choneros have now lost their leader.

Last year, Ronald Javier Macías Villamar was indicted for alleged money laundering. This case involves other close relatives of 'Fito' who were previously sentenced to prison terms ranging from seven to ten years in late May. The Prosecutor's Office indicated that the defendants in this case allegedly laundered over $25 million derived from illegal activities. The Public Ministry stated that 'Javi' will face the suspended trial upon his return to Ecuador, along with other associates of 'Fito' who are currently fugitives. Los Choneros have been designated as a "terrorist" organization by the Ecuadorian government as part of its intensified campaign against criminal groups linked to the country's unprecedented surge in violence.

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Today Los Choneros have just lost the one who leads their structure.