Ecuadorian Drug Kingpin Wilmer ‘Pipo’ Chavarria Arrested in Spain

One of Ecuador’s most wanted drug traffickers, Wilmer “Pipo” Chavarria, was arrested in Spain on March 5, 2023, four years after he allegedly faked his death from COVID-19. Authorities report that Chavarria had been directing a major drug trafficking operation from Europe while living under a new identity. The arrest occurred in Malaga as part of a coordinated effort between Spanish and Ecuadorian police forces.

Chavarria, identified as the leader of the drug trafficking group known as Los Lobos (“The Wolves”), was captured in a joint operation that highlights the ongoing efforts to combat transnational crime. Spain’s National Police released an image showing Chavarria in custody, dressed in a black-and-green tracksuit, being escorted by officers.

Los Lobos has been a significant player in drug trafficking within Ecuador, reportedly comprising around 8,000 fighters. The group was designated as a terrorist organization by the US Department of State in September 2022 due to its involvement in violent crime, including political assassinations. Chavarria’s criminal network has been linked to the infamous Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Mexico, further complicating the regional drug trade.

According to Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, Chavarria had successfully managed to evade capture since he faked his death in March 2021, claiming to have succumbed to a heart attack attributed to COVID-19. During his time in hiding, he allegedly orchestrated drug shipments, ordered assassinations, and controlled illegal mining operations. In a post on social media, Noboa emphasized the importance of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking: “Some wrote him off as dead; we hunted him down in his very own hell. That’s the difference when there’s the will to fight for your country.”

Noboa also expressed gratitude for the collaboration between the Ecuadorian and Spanish police forces. He stated, “We have captured the highest-value target. Today the mafias fall back. Today Ecuador wins.” This arrest comes amid rising concerns over escalating violence in Ecuador, which was once considered one of the most peaceful countries in South America.

In recent years, Ecuador has witnessed a troubling increase in homicides and violent crime, primarily driven by drug trafficking gangs vying for control over vital ports used for cocaine shipments from neighboring Colombia and Peru. The situation has led to attacks on public officials, including presidential candidates and journalists.

On the same day as Chavarria’s arrest, Ecuadorians participated in a national vote regarding a proposal to allow foreign military bases in the country, a plan supported by Noboa as a means to enhance anti-drug cooperation with international partners, including the United States. The proposal was ultimately rejected, marking a setback for Noboa’s administration.

Noboa has been active in seeking international support to address security and migration issues, having recently met with US officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, to discuss these pressing matters. The discussions included potential locations for military bases to host US troops, underscoring the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by organized crime in Ecuador.

With the arrest of Wilmer Chavarria, Ecuadorian authorities aim to disrupt the operations of drug trafficking organizations and restore stability in a nation facing unprecedented violence. The implications of this arrest extend beyond law enforcement; they resonate deeply with a society grappling with the repercussions of crime and corruption.