Ecuador’s President Announces Capture of Notorious Gang Leader

In a significant law enforcement development, Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa confirmed on March 14, 2024, that the alleged leader of one of the country’s most notorious gangs has been recaptured in Colombia. Rolando “Fede” Gomez, aged 39, was apprehended after escaping from prison in June 2023, where he had been held on charges connected to his leadership of Los Aguilas, a violent faction linked to the powerful Los Choneros gang.

Gomez was initially arrested in January 2023 but managed to flee from a prison in the port city of Guayaquil by disguising himself as a soldier. His escape prompted authorities to place a bounty of $1 million on his head, underscoring the threat he posed to public safety.

Caught in Medellin

According to Ecuador’s Interior Minister John Reimberg, Gomez was located in the Colombian city of Medellin, where he was found carrying identification documents under a different name. Reimberg disclosed this information via the social media platform X, emphasizing the importance of this capture in the fight against organized crime.

President Noboa shared a photo of Gomez, revealing a large tattoo on his torso. In a firm statement, Noboa declared, “Ecuador will not back down. The law rules here, not the mafia.” His administration has focused heavily on addressing the surge in violence and record murder rates that have plagued Ecuador in recent years, transforming it from one of the safest nations in Latin America into one of the most dangerous.

Surge in Violence

Geographically situated between the world’s leading cocaine producers, Colombia and Peru, Ecuador is increasingly recognized as a critical departure point for approximately 70 percent of the global cocaine supply, primarily destined for the United States. This troubling reality has intensified the competition among local drug traffickers and gangs vying for control over lucrative routes and networks.

Colombian police have indicated that Gomez was in Medellin “seeking alliances” with local and international drug traffickers. Such connections could facilitate the expansion of his criminal networks and the establishment of new trafficking routes, further complicating the region’s ongoing battle against drug-related violence.

The recapture of Gomez represents a key victory for Ecuador’s efforts to combat organized crime and restore public safety. As the country grapples with its changing security landscape, the importance of international cooperation in addressing these challenges cannot be overstated.

This incident highlights the pressing need for comprehensive strategies to tackle crime and violence, particularly in regions affected by the drug trade. Moving forward, the Ecuadorian government faces the daunting task of not only apprehending key figures like Gomez but also implementing sustainable measures to prevent crime from taking root in society.