Ecuador to extradite notorious drug gang leader to U.S.
Summary
Ecuador’s top court approved sending Dario Penafiel, a leader in the Los Choneros gang, to the United States to face drug trafficking charges. U.S. and Ecuadorian forces are working together to combat drug gangs operating in Ecuador, including joint missions to shut down criminal hubs linked to these groups.Key Facts
- Dario Penafiel, also known as "Topo," is a high-ranking member of the Los Choneros gang.
- Penafiel was arrested in Ecuador's Amazon region while involved in illegal mining activities.
- He has links to a dissident faction of Colombia’s FARC rebels and is wanted in New York for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
- Penafiel had previously been jailed for kidnapping and criminal conspiracy and met top drug lord Adolfo Macias ("Fito") while in prison.
- Macias was recently captured and extradited to the U.S. on drug importation charges.
- The U.S. and Ecuador launched joint operations to dismantle drug trafficking hubs, including a mission called Lanza Marina targeting gang-related boat operations.
- Los Choneros is one of 20 gangs declared terrorist organizations by Ecuador.
- The military actions are part of a broader crackdown on drug trafficking under Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa’s administration.
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