Ecuador's Notorious Drug Lord Escapes Prison, Lived Lavishly Behind Bars

Adolfo 'Fito' Macias, the notorious leader of the Los Choneros gang in Ecuador, has escaped from prison where he was serving a 34-year sentence for drug trafficking and murder. Despite being incarcerated, Fito lived luxuriously in his prison cell, with access to amenities like telephones, the internet, and even women.

The Ecuadorian government declared a state of emergency after Fito's escape and vowed to eradicate the violence and restore order in the country's gang-run prisons. However, three months later, authorities have yet to find Fito, who is believed to have fled the country.

The escape was a "moment of shame" for the new president, as it was revealed that Fito had been informed of his impending transfer to a maximum-security prison and was able to escape without firing a shot. "Fito escaped on the day he was scheduled to be transferred to a maximum security prison, and authorities suspect there was a leak of information that allowed him to escape," according to sources familiar with the investigation.

Why this matters: Fito's escape highlights the endemic corruption in Ecuador's prison system, where powerful gang leaders are able to maintain control and influence from behind bars. The incident raises serious concerns about the government's ability to combat organized crime and ensure the security of its citizens.

Experts attribute Fito's ability to operate freely from prison to the widespread corruption among guards who are vulnerable to bribery and threats from powerful gangs like Los Choneros. "Despite being incarcerated, Fito lived luxuriously in his prison cell, which resembled a hotel room, and was able to direct the activities of his gang," said a former prison official.

The Ecuadorian government is now working with the U.S. and Colombia to try to track down Fito, who remains at large three months after his audacious escape. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges facing Ecuador in its fight against drug trafficking and organized crime, and the urgent need for reform in the country's troubled prison system.

Key Takeaways

• Notorious gang leader Fito escaped 34-yr prison sentence for drug, murder
• Fito lived luxuriously in prison with amenities, directed gang activities
• Escape was "moment of shame" for president, authorities suspect information leak
• Escape highlights endemic corruption in Ecuador's prison system
• Ecuador working with US, Colombia to track down Fito, who remains at large