Fake Deaths During COVID, Ecuadorian Drug Gang Leader Arrested In Spain

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JAKARTA - One of Ecuador's most wanted drug dealers was arrested on Sunday, years after he faked his death and moved to Spain.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa said Wilmer Chavarria, also known as "Pipo," was arrested in the Spanish city of Malaga in a joint operation with the Spanish police.

The Spanish National Police posted a photo of Chavarria wearing black and green sports suits as she was escorted by police officers to the patrol car.

As reported by ABC News, Monday, November 17, Chavarria is believed to be the leader of Los Lobos, a group of drug dealers consisting of about 8,000 fighters recently designated as terrorist organizations by the United States. Los Lobos has been linked with political assassinations in Ecuador and is also accused of working closely with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Mexico.

Noboa said Chavarria faked his death in 2021 during the COVID pandemic, gained a new identity and moved to Spain, from which he coordinated drug shipments, ordered the killing and blackmail of gold mines in Ecuador.

Ecuador was one of the most peaceful countries in South America in the early 2010s.

However, the country of 18 million people experienced a spike in killings and other violent crimes, as it became the main transit point for cocaine produced in neighboring Colombia and Peru.

Drug dealers have attacked presidential candidates, city officials, and journalists in the race for control of coastal ports and cities.

Chavarria's arrest comes as Ecuadorians vote in a four-part referendum, where they will be asked if the country's constitution should be amended to allow foreign countries to manage military bases in Ecuador.

Noboa believes this reform is needed to encourage anti-drug cooperation with countries like the United States and increase pressure on drug dealers.