Ecuadorian Drug Gang Leader Captured in Spain Years After Faking His Death

A weapon is shown at a police station in the aftermath of a wave of violence that saw the storming of a TV station on-air and explosions around the nation, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on Jan. 11, 2024. Ivan Alvarado/Reuters

BOGOTA, Colombia—One of Ecuador’s most wanted drug traffickers was captured Sunday, years after he faked his death and moved to Spain.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa said that Wilmer Chavarria, also known as “Pipo,” was captured in the Spanish city of Malaga in a joint operation with Spanish police. In a message on X, Spain’s National Police posted a photo of Chavarria wearing a black and green track suit as he was escorted by police officers toward a patrol car.