Carlos D., known by the alias “El Chino,” was at the center of a significant operation on the morning of January 25, 2025, when authorities apprehended him at his home in Portoviejo, a coastal city in Ecuador. He is widely recognized as the second-in-command of the notorious crime syndicate Los Lobos, a group named “The Wolves,” that has starkly reshaped the landscape of crime in Ecuador.
- Carlos D, aka "El Chino," arrested.
- Los Lobos declared largest drug trafficking gang.
- Significant links to Mexican drug cartels.
- Authorities seized record 294 tons of drugs.
- Jailed members control Ecuadoran prisons.
- Violence escalated following presidential candidate's assassination.
The military’s statement described the operation as a strategic advance against an organized armed group, declaring El Chino a “high-value target.” Armed forces engaged in a meticulously planned raid discovered not only a considerable stash of cash but also armored vehicles, drugs, and firearms at his residence. Social media footage showcased the aftermath of the arrest, revealing a shirtless El Chino alongside two other suspects, encapsulating a moment that marked a potential turning point in the country’s struggle against organized crime.
“This arrest represents a strategic blow against the structure of this organized armed group,” military officials asserted, emphasizing the critical impact this operation could have on Los Lobos, which has been labeled as the country’s largest drug trafficking organization. The U.S. government had previously issued sanctions against the group, citing its role in intensifying violence across Ecuador as it grapples with a surge in drug operations over recent years.
Los Lobos has embedded itself deeply within the fabric of Ecuador’s criminal underworld, operating in 16 of the nation’s 24 provinces and venturing into illegal gold mining. Their connections reportedly extend to powerful Mexican cartels, making them particularly formidable. In light of these realities, the United States noted the gang “contributes significantly to the violence gripping the country,” complicating the nation’s security landscape.
Last year marked a striking escalation in drug seizures, with authorities confiscating a staggering 294 tons of narcotics—largely cocaine—most of which were traced back to Colombia and Peru, routed to major markets in Europe and the United States via the port city of Guayaquil. The ramifications of such extensive drug trafficking have permeated all levels of society, leading to convicted gang members exerting control over prisons and orchestrating operations from their cells.
This environment of violence has led to several tragic incidents. Authorities have linked Los Lobos to the assassination of Fernando Villavicencio, an anti-corruption presidential candidate murdered last August while leaving a rally in Quito. Moreover, the recent discovery of two boys’ bodies near a military base ignited public outrage and protests against the ongoing turmoil.
As Ecuador grapples with an escalation in violent crime, President Daniel Noboa declared a state of “internal armed conflict” in January 2024. This proclamation came on the heels of a violent jailbreak and brazen attacks, including an incident where armed gunmen stormed a television studio, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty throughout the nation.
As the authorities continue to navigate these turbulent waters, the arrest of El Chino could symbolize a pivotal moment in the fight against organized crime in Ecuador. However, experts and officials alike caution that this victory may be but a temporary setback in a multifaceted and ongoing battle against deeply entrenched criminal networks.
The immediate future of Los Lobos remains uncertain as investigations intensify. Officials are likely to delve deeper into the syndicate’s operations and its widespread impact. The broader implications of this arrest not only highlight the challenges faced by Ecuador but also pose significant questions regarding the resilience and adaptability of such criminal organizations in the face of increasing law enforcement efforts.
As communities await the outcome of ongoing operations and legal proceedings against El Chino and potentially others associated with him, one thing becomes clear: the struggle against organized crime in Ecuador is far from over.
