A federal indictment has been revealed in Brooklyn against José Adolfo "Fito" Macías Villamar, a reputed leader of the Los Choneros, a violent drug trafficking organization based in Ecuador. Charges include international cocaine distribution and smuggling firearms from the United States. Despite these serious allegations, Macías Villamar is not currently in U.S. custody.
John J. Durham, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, emphasized the charges, stating, "As alleged, the defendant was a ruthless leader and prolific drug trafficker for a violent transnational criminal organization. By leading the Los Choneros’ network of assassins and drug and weapon traffickers and importing potentially lethal quantities of cocaine into the United States, the defendant has caused great harm to his own country and the United States, which was the destination for the vast majority of Los Choneros’ cocaine shipments."
DEA Acting Administrator Derek Maltz highlighted the cross-border efforts to tackle drug trafficking: "The indictment of José Adolfo Macías Villamar marks a significant strike against the violent networks that flood our communities with dangerous drugs like cocaine — a clear message that no one fueling this deadly trade is beyond the reach of justice."
Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives noted the combined efforts in this case: "This investigation and charges are a testament to the combined efforts of law enforcement and underscores the resolve of ATF and our federal, state, and local partners."
The charges indicate that Macías Villamar led Los Choneros since at least 2020. The organization, in alignment with Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel, managed major cocaine routes through Ecuador, aiming for distribution into the United States. Details in the indictment allege the organization engaged in significant violence employing hitmen, often using military-grade weapons, and were involved in various acts of violence against law enforcement and civilians.
The case is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative aimed at eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protecting U.S. communities. As legal proceedings begin, Macías Villamar is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, up to life imprisonment.
The prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorneys Chand Edwards-Balfour and Lorena Michelen of the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section.