Ecuador’s Most Wanted Drug Trafficker Captured in Spain After Faking Own Death
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced the capture of Wilmer Chavarria, also known as “Pipo,” one of the country’s most wanted drug traffickers, in a joint operation with Spanish police in the city of Malaga. Chavarria, believed to be the leader of the notorious Los Lobos drug trafficking group, had been on the run for years after faking his own death in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to reports, Chavarria obtained a new identity and relocated to Spain, where he continued to coordinate drug shipments, order assassinations, and run extortion rackets against gold mines in Ecuador. Los Lobos, which has around 8,000 fighters, has been linked to several high-profile crimes, including political assassinations and deadly prison riots. The group was recently designated a terrorist organization by the United States.
Los Lobos’ Notorious Activities
Los Lobos has been accused of working closely with Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel and has been responsible for a significant increase in violent crimes in Ecuador. The country, which was once considered one of the most peaceful in South America, has experienced a surge in homicides and other violent crimes in recent years. Drug trafficking gangs have targeted presidential candidates, municipal officials, and journalists, fighting for control over ports and coastal cities.
The capture of Chavarria comes as Ecuadorians vote on a four-part referendum, which includes a proposal to amend the constitution to allow foreign countries to run military bases in Ecuador. President Noboa has argued that this reform is necessary to increase cooperation with countries like the United States and put pressure on drug traffickers. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Chavarria and declared Los Lobos the largest drug trafficking organization in Ecuador.
Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking
The Ecuadorian government has been working to combat drug trafficking, with the help of international partners. Earlier this year, another leader of Los Lobos, Carlos D, also known as “El Chino,” was arrested in the coastal city of Portoviejo. The U.S. has also been involved in the efforts, with the extradition of Adolfo Macías, the leader of the Los Choneros gang, to face multiple drug trafficking and firearms charges.
Los Lobos is believed to have emerged as a branch of hitmen working within Los Choneros, which rose to power independently in 2020. The group has been accused of several high-profile crimes, including the assassination of Ecuador’s 2023 presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. The Ecuadorian government has been working to dismantle the group and bring its leaders to justice.
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