BROOKLYN, NY – The gritty streets of Brooklyn will see the arraignment today of José Adolfo ‘Fito’ Macías Villamar, an Ecuadorian citizen and notorious transnational crime boss. Villamar, head of the violent Los Choneros organization, is facing a mountain of charges for his role in importing drugs and exporting guns across international borders.
According to the federal indictment, Macías Villamar has been charged with international cocaine distribution conspiracy, using firearms in drug trafficking, smuggling firearms from the United States, and more. His extradition from Ecuador to the Eastern District of New York is a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice against global crime networks.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Joseph Nocella Jr., declared that Macías Villamar’s arrest reflects the commitment to bringing the leadership of such organizations to justice in the United States. ‘The defendant and his co-conspirators flooded the United States with drugs and violence,’ Nocella said.
DEA Acting Administrator Robert Murphy echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the DEA’s role in dismantling criminal enterprises like Los Choneros. ‘Today, the kingpin of Los Choneros faces justice on U.S. soil for his crimes,’ Murphy stated.
ATF Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr. highlighted the collaboration between federal agencies to tackle gun violence and drug-related activities. ‘Our joint efforts are essential in bringing accountability to violent offenders and reducing crime,’ Cheeks said.
The indictment alleges that Macías Villamar was the principal leader of Los Choneros, responsible for serious acts of violence against Ecuadorean law enforcement and civilians. His previous convictions include murder, robbery, weapons possession, and drug trafficking, a criminal history that spans back to 2011.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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