Ecuadorian drug gang leader captured in Spain years after faking his death

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has announced the capture of one of Ecuador’s most wanted drug traffickers. Wilmer Chavarria, known as “Pipo,” was caught in Malaga, Spain, on Sunday in a joint operation with Spanish police. He is believed to lead Los Lobos, a group linked to political assassinations and associated with Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Chavarria faked his death in 2021, moved to Spain, and continued his criminal activities. His capture coincides with Ecuadorians voting on a referendum about allowing foreign military bases to combat drug trafficking.