Ecuadorian security forces captured the country’s most notorious criminal leader in a crucial — though largely symbolic — win in its “war on gangs.”

A joint operation by police and military on June 25 led to the capture of Adolfo Macías Villamar, alias “Fito,” leader of the Choneros, one of Ecuador’s top drug trafficking groups.

The operation, which reportedly lasted 10 hours, led security forces to a mansion in Montecristi, a town just outside Manta, Fito’s home city. Pictures and videos circulating on social media show soldiers opening what appears to be a trap door in the floor of the mansion, leading to a bunker in which Fito was hiding.

The Fall of Fito: What It Means — and Doesn’t — for Ecuador’s Underworld | Written by Gavin Voss and read by Liza Schmidt.

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