Spanish police arrested Wilmer Chavarria, known as "Pipo" and Ecuador's most wanted drug lord, in Malaga on 17/11. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced the arrest. Images released by Spanish police show the suspect, dressed in a black and blue tracksuit, being escorted into a patrol car.

Chavarria allegedly led Los Lobos, a drug trafficking organization with approximately 8,000 members. The US designated Los Lobos as a terrorist organization. This group faces accusations of involvement in numerous political assassinations in Ecuador and collaborating with Mexican drug cartels.

According to President Noboa, Pipo faked his death in 2021 during the pandemic. He used a new identity to travel to Spain, where he continued to run drug operations, order killings, and operate an extortion ring targeting domestic gold mines.

Wilmer Chavarria arrested by Spanish police in Malaga on 16/11. Photo: Primicias

Wilmer Chavarria arrested by Spanish police in Malaga on 16/11. Photo: Primicias

Ecuadorian officials state Chavarria controlled drug trafficking routes and illegal gold mining. He previously directed gang activities from prison from 2011 to 2019. Interior Minister John Reimberg confirmed Chavarria was behind at least 400 murders.

Ecuador was one of South America's most peaceful nations in the early 2010s. However, violence escalated as the country became a drug transit point for narcotics from Colombia and Peru. Gangs have attacked officials, journalists, and presidential candidates in their fight for control of seaports and coastal cities.

Pipo's arrest coincided with Ecuadorian citizens voting in a referendum on four proposals, including one to allow other nations to establish military bases in Ecuador. President Noboa stated this amendment would strengthen anti-drug cooperation with the US and put more pressure on criminal organizations.

Thanh Danh (Based on Reuters, ABC, CBS)