CNN
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Ecuador’s most notorious Drag Kingpin I’m heading for the US.
Jose Adolfo Masias, known as “Fito,” agreed to be handed over from Ecuador to the United States on Friday, where he is wanted by the US Department of Justice on charges of drug and weapons trafficking.
The head of criminal organization Los Ceneros accepted his extradition during a hearing at the National Court of Justice.
In a statement to CNN, U.S. Macías lawyer Alexei Schacht said his client had agreed to be handed over to the advice of an Ecuadorian lawyer.
“We’re working hard to protect his rights and to help him and his family,” Scharkt said. “Mr. Macias and his entire legal team are working hard to get the best possible outcome for him.”
Macias fled the prison in January 2024, plunging Ecuador into chaos. Soon after that, the gunman attacked a popular television station, living in the air with its crew hostages.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Novore, who took office shortly before Macias’ escape, declared a state of “internal armed conflict” within Ecuador, designating Los Ceneros and 21 other gangs as terrorist organizations.
Macías is the only founding member of Los Choneros, considered alive. Little is known about his life before he entered the criminal underworld, but after more than a decade in prison, he gained a reputation as a gang money laundering expert.
Macías’ prison destruction in 2024 revealed that he enjoys many extravagances in prison. According to footage from CNN affiliate Ecuavisa, he was treated to a fireworks display for his birthday. A military source told CNN that Macia arranged for her cell size to double, and entertained several female guests during her jail time.
He was captured in secret for over a year last month. Authorities found him in a basement bunker by a mansion in Manavi. The villa was equipped with a home gym, marble walls, and a game room.
Surveillance flights through the property detected irregular fields behind the house.
“They began to excavate,” recalled John Lenberg, Ecuadorian Home Minister. “As soon as this happened, Fito paniced because if we continued, the roof of his bunker would collapse. At that moment, he opened a hatch where the troops were already there and climbed up from the hidden hole. That’s how we detained him.”
Noboa announced shortly after that he intended to be handed over to face justice in the United States.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
