Ecuador Recaptures ‘Wedding Ring’ – Leader of ‘the Eagles’ - in Colombia
Medellín, Colombia – Ecuadorian authorities, in a joint operation with Colombian police and navy forces, have recaptured Rolando Federico Gómez Quinde, known as “Wedding Ring,” a key leader of the notorious “The Eagles” criminal organization. President Daniel Noboa announced the arrest Thursday afternoon, marking a notable victory in Ecuador’s escalating battle against organized crime.
“Ecuador does not go back. Here the law rules, not the mafias,” President Noboa declared in a post on X (formerly Twitter) at 5:45 PM local time. The announcement came alongside images of Gómez Quinde in custody.
According to Interior Minister john Reimberg, the capture occurred in Medellín, Colombia, just thirty minutes prior to the public announcement. Gómez Quinde was found possessing both an Ecuadorian identification card and a false identity – Eder Alberto Estacio Gómez – in a local neighborhood.
Ecuadorian Police Commander pablo Dávila identified Gómez Quinde as a principal operator for “The Eagles,” a group heavily involved in drug trafficking, arms dealing, and criminal association. “The fight against organized crime knows no borders,” Dávila stated, adding a stern warning to those challenging the state: “There is no possible hiding place, justice always prevails.”
Gómez Quinde escaped from the Penitencaría del Litoral prison on June 20th, prompting a nationwide manhunt and a $1 million reward for information leading to his recapture. The government immediately launched an inquiry into the escape, alleging complicity from within the prison system. To date, 19 members of the Armed Forces, two officials from the SNAI (National Service for Thorough Care for Adults Deprived of Liberty and Adolescent Offenders), and one inmate have been prosecuted in connection with the breakout.
Thursday’s operation saw a total of eleven high-value targets apprehended, alongside Gómez Quinde. This latest success underscores the Noboa administration’s commitment to restoring order and combating the growing influence of criminal organizations within Ecuador.
Keywords: Ecuador, Rolando Federico Gómez Quinde, Wedding Ring, The Eagles, Drug Trafficking, Colombia, Medellín, Daniel Noboa, Organized Crime, Criminal arrest, Prison Escape, John Reimberg, Pablo Dávila.
