Brother of Notorious Drug Lord Shot by Imposters

David Macías, the brother of Ecuador's notorious drug lord Adolfo 'Fito' Macías, was shot dead by gunmen who were disguised as police officers. This incident occurred on Sunday in the town of Olón, situated on Ecuador's Pacific coast.

David Macías's Role in Los Choneros

The 35-year-old was identified as a regional leader of the criminal organization Los Choneros, which is known for its influence and violence in Ecuador. His brother, Adolfo Macías, previously led the gang and is currently awaiting trial in the United States after being extradited from Ecuador last year.

Details of the Attack

According to police statements, the attack on David Macías took place in the early hours of Sunday. Witnesses reported that the attackers entered the rented home while posing as law enforcement officers. After committing the crime, the assailants fled the scene, and no arrests have been made yet.

Gang Rivalries and Internal Conflicts

This assassination highlights the ongoing violence and power struggles within and between criminal gangs in Ecuador. It is not uncommon for gang leaders to become targets of rival factions or even factions within their own groups. Such incidents are often part of broader conflicts over control and influence.

In a related incident last month, a local gang leader was fatally shot by teenage assailants at Guayaquil's international airport. The attackers cleverly concealed their weapons among stuffed toys and flowers to avoid detection.

Legal Troubles and Gang Activities

David Macías had a criminal history, having pleaded guilty to criminal conspiracy charges in 2018. During his imprisonment, he was reportedly active in recruiting inmates for Los Choneros and establishing the gang's dominance within the prison system.

Impact on Los Choneros

The killing of David Macías marks another significant blow to Los Choneros, following the arrest of Adolfo Macías and their other brother, Javier, in Colombia last month. These events have further destabilized the gang, which has been officially designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States due to its involvement in increasing violence and murder rates in Ecuador.

Source: Original Article