Pallade Veneta - Ecuador's top drug lord agrees to US extradition

Adolfo Macias, alias "Fito," was captured in June after escaping from a maximum security prison last year in a jailbreak that sparked a severe wave of gang violence.

Macias, head of the "Los Choneros" gang, is wanted in the United States on charges of cocaine distribution, conspiracy and firearms-related crimes, including weapons smuggling.

The former taxi driver turned crime boss became the prime target of Ecuadoran law enforcement early last year after escaping from prison in the southwestern port of Guayaquil.

President Daniel Noboa's government at the time released "wanted" posters and offered $1 million for information leading to Macias's capture.

In a country plagued by drug-related crime, Los Choneros members responded with violence -- using car bombs, holding prison guards hostage and taking over a television station during a live broadcast.

After months of pursuit, Fito was recaptured last month in a massive military and police operation in which no shots were fired.

He was found hiding in a bunker concealed under floor tiles in a luxury home in the fishing port of Manta.

Fito, dressed in an orange prison uniform, took part in a court hearing Friday by video from a prison in Guayaquil.

In response to a judge's question, he replied, "Yes, I accept (extradition)."

Given his consent, the court said in a statement "the pertinent procedure for the transfer process" will now follow, with Noboa having to sign the official handover papers.

This would make Macias the first Ecuadoran extradited by his country since the measure was written into law last year after a referendum in which Noboa sought the approval of measures to boost his war on criminal gangs.

O.Pileggi--PV