The biggest drug mafia disappeared from Ecuador’s jail, riots in the entire country, emergency imposed
Riots are breaking out in prisons across the country after one of Ecuador’s most dangerous criminals disappeared from his cell. Guards have been taken hostage amid riots in many prisons. There are also reports of several policemen and jail officials being injured. Seeing the worsening situation, the government has declared a state of emergency in Ecuador. Thousands of soldiers and police have been carrying out a special operation across Ecuador since Monday. Its objective is to hunt down Adolfo Macias alias Fito, the convicted leader of the powerful drug gang Los Choneros.
Drug gang leader had disappeared from jail
44-year-old drug lord Adolfo Macias alias Fito was reported missing on Sunday. He had disappeared from a prison in the Ecuadorian port city of Guayaquil. He was serving his sentence before being transferred to another maximum security prison in the same city. As soon as he disappeared, violence broke out in almost all prisons across the country. Supporters and operatives of Adolfo Macias attacked prison officials. Many policemen and jail officers have also been injured in these attacks.
President declared state of emergency in Ecuador
Amidst the ongoing violence in Ecuador’s prisons, Daniel Noboa, who was elected President of the country in October last year, announced a 60-day state of emergency late on Monday night. Following the announcement he said, “It’s time for those convicted of drug trafficking, murder and organized crime to tell the government what to do.” President Noboa was elected last year on promises to crack down on violent crime. President Noboa, 35, said his government had instructed the army and police to take action.
President warns criminals
“We will not negotiate with terrorists and we will not rest until we return peace to Ecuadorians,” Noboa said in a message posted on social media. In recent years, this South American country has witnessed a horrific situation of violence. Many previous governments are proving unable to rein in organized crime groups.
