Ecuador Denies Negotiated Surrender of Drug Lord “Fito,” Colombia Confirms No Intermediation
Bogotá, Colombia – July 1, 2025 – Ecuador is vehemently denying allegations of a negotiated surrender with José Adolfo Macías, known as “Fito,” one of Ecuador’s most wanted drug traffickers, recently recaptured after escaping prison in January of last year. the controversy stems from a handwritten letter purportedly from “Fito” requesting Colombia’s assistance in mediating a deal to avoid extradition to the United States [[1]].
Ecuador’s interior Minister, Jhon Reimberg, dismissed the claims as disinformation, emphasizing the success of the operation that led to “Fito’s” capture in Manta.He stated the claims undermine the “institutional effort” that resulted in the arrest [[1]]. The Ecuadorian government maintains the capture was achieved without external assistance.
Colombia’s Foreign Ministry has corroborated Ecuador’s stance,issuing a statement confirming they did not engage in any mediation efforts with “Fito” or Ecuadorian authorities [[1]]. The Ministry explicitly stated it “does not act as guarantor of drug traffickers” and received no official request for assistance through diplomatic channels.
While the Colombian ambassador to Quito did receive the alleged letter on june 9th, the ministry clarified the authenticity of the document remains unverified and no action was taken [[1]].
“Fito” is currently wanted by the United States Justice system [[1]].
Ecuador Overview: Ecuador is a south American nation bordering Colombia and Peru,with a coastline on the Pacific Ocean and including the Galapagos Islands [[2]], [[3]]. It is a developing country with an economy heavily reliant on commodity exports, notably petroleum and agricultural products [[2]].
