Ecuadorian Police Recapture One of Country's Most Wanted Criminals After Prison Escape

Fabricio Colon Pico Suarez, an alleged leader of the Los Lobos gang, was recaptured by Ecuadorian authorities in Puerto Quito on Saturday, three months after escaping from prison. The successful operation was announced by the Ecuadorian attorney general's office and national police.

Colon Pico Suarez, also known as "Captain Pico," had been serving time in prison before staging an escape in January 2024 along with two other criminals. The jailbreak prompted an extensive manhunt by law enforcement to locate and apprehend the fugitives.

According to authorities, Colon Pico Suarez is accused of planning the kidnapping and murder of Ecuador's Attorney General, Diana Salazar. Salazar had been a vocal supporter of measures to combat drug trafficking gangs and had exposed alleged links between criminal factions and politicians, judges, and state entities.

The recapture of the notorious gang leader was the result of a coordinated effort between the Ecuadorian Police and the Attorney General's office. It marks a significant victory for law enforcement in their ongoing battle against organized crime in the country.

Why this matters: The recapture of Fabricio Colon Pico Suarez deals a blow to the Los Lobos gang and represents progress in Ecuador's fight against powerful drug trafficking organizations. The case also highlights the dangers faced by public officials like Attorney General Diana Salazar who take a stand against criminal networks.

"The arrest of Pico is a clear message to criminals that there is no place where they can hide from justice," a spokesperson for the Attorney General's office stated. The successful operation to recapture the escaped gang leader reaffirms the commitment of Ecuadorian authorities to crack down on organized crime and maintain public safety in the nation.

Key Takeaways

• Alleged Los Lobos gang leader Fabricio Colon Pico Suarez recaptured in Ecuador.
• Pico Suarez had escaped from prison in January 2024 with two other criminals.
• Pico Suarez accused of planning to kidnap and kill Ecuador's Attorney General.
• Recapture was result of coordinated effort between police and Attorney General's office.
• Arrest seen as a victory in Ecuador's fight against organized crime and drug trafficking.