One of the world's most notorious drug traffickers has been apprehended in Spain after orchestrating an elaborate fake death scheme to evade international justice.
The Malaga Capture
Wilmer Chavarria, known by his alias 'Pipo', was arrested in the popular holiday destination of Malaga following a joint operation between Ecuadorian and Spanish authorities. The Ecuadorian gangster had successfully convinced authorities of his death in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic before obtaining a new identity and relocating to Spain.
From his Spanish base, Chavarria continued to direct his criminal empire, coordinating international drug shipments, ordering assassinations, and running extortion operations targeting gold mines in his home country.
Los Lobos Terror Network
Investigators believe Chavarria leads Los Lobos, a powerful drug trafficking organisation boasting approximately 8,000 fighters. The group was recently designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States government and has been linked to multiple political assassinations within Ecuador.
The criminal network maintains close working relationships with Mexico's infamous Jalisco New Generation Cartel, facilitating the global distribution of narcotics. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa confirmed the details of Chavarria's deception and subsequent capture.
Ecuador's Security Crisis
The arrest comes amid escalating violence in Ecuador, which has transformed from one of South America's most peaceful nations in the early 2010s to a key transit point for cocaine produced in neighbouring Colombia and Peru. The country of 18 million people has experienced a dramatic surge in homicides and violent crimes.
Drug trafficking gangs have increasingly targeted presidential candidates, municipal officials, and journalists as they battle for control over strategic ports and coastal cities. The violence has prompted the Ecuadorian government to seek international assistance in combating the cartels.
As Chavarria was taken into custody, Ecuadorians were voting on a four-part referendum that could amend the nation's constitution to allow foreign countries to establish military bases within Ecuador. President Noboa argues this reform is essential to enhance anti-drug cooperation with nations like the United States and increase pressure on trafficking organisations.
