The U.S. government’s recent $5 million reward offer for information leading to the arrest of Francisco Manuel Bermúdez Cagua, a/k/a “Churrón,” the leader of the Ecuadorian drug trafficking organization Los Choneros, represents a significant escalation in international efforts to combat transnational crime within the Andean region. This move, coupled with previous designations and ongoing investigations, highlights a coalescing strategy involving multiple actors and underscores a shift in the dynamics of drug trafficking and security in South America. The long-term implications for regional stability and the global narcotics trade remain profoundly uncertain, demanding careful analysis and proactive diplomatic engagement.
The immediate context for this action is rooted in decades of shifting patterns of drug production and transit. Colombia, historically the epicenter of cocaine production, has seen a notable decline in its output, driving significant volumes south into Ecuador and, increasingly, Peru. The rise of Los Choneros, emerging in the early 2010s, capitalized on this shift, rapidly establishing itself as a dominant player in the smuggling of cocaine to North America. The organization’s connections to the Sinaloa Cartel, a notoriously sophisticated and adaptable network, further amplified its operational capacity and reach. “The Choneros’ success stemmed largely from its ability to exploit vulnerabilities in Ecuador’s institutional capacity and law enforcement,” noted Dr. Elena Ramirez, a specialist in organized crime at the Inter-American Institute for Security Studies. “This wasn’t simply a case of a poorly equipped police force; it was a deliberate strategy to undermine state authority.”
According to data compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in 2023, Ecuador accounted for approximately 13% of global cocaine seizures, a figure that has steadily increased over the past five years. This surge coincides with documented instances of corruption within Ecuador’s security services, facilitated, reportedly, by Los Choneros’ considerable financial resources and influence. In June 2025, Darío Javier Peñafiel Nieto, a/k/a “Topo”, and José Adolfo Macías Villamar, a/k/a “Fito”, were arrested in New York and charged with conspiracy. The apprehension of these key operatives demonstrates the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) sustained commitment to disrupting Los Choneros' operations. “The DOJ's focus on bringing these individuals to justice sends a powerful message to other criminal networks involved in transnational crime,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Ricardo Morales during a press briefing. “We are committed to dismantling these organizations and holding them accountable for their actions.”
The Ecuadorian government’s initial designation of Los Choneros as a terrorist organization in January 2024, mirroring the U.S. designation by Secretary of State Antony Rubio in June 2025, represents a critical geopolitical juncture. While the Ecuadorian definition of ‘terrorism’ primarily centered on violent acts against state institutions, the overlap in operational tactics – undermining the rule of law and fostering instability – highlights a shared threat perception. The U.S. leveraging its law enforcement capabilities, combined with Ecuador's domestic efforts, created a two-pronged assault. The reward program, authorized under the Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP), has been implemented in over 70 countries and has proven instrumental in disrupting criminal networks globally.
Short-term, the immediate impact of the $5 million reward is anticipated to trigger an increase in intelligence sharing and potentially lead to the identification and apprehension of Bermúdez Cagua. The increased pressure on Los Choneros' leadership and finances could also trigger internal conflicts within the organization. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that dismantling Los Choneros completely is a monumental task. The organization's deep roots in Ecuador’s criminal landscape, combined with the Sinaloa Cartel's ongoing support, suggest a protracted struggle.
Long-term, the success of this operation hinges on broader efforts to address the root causes of drug trafficking – poverty, lack of economic opportunity, and weak governance – within Ecuador. Without sustained investment in social programs and institutional reform, Los Choneros, or a successor organization, is likely to re-emerge. Furthermore, the rise of Peru as a significant cocaine producer and transit hub adds another layer of complexity. “We're seeing a ‘spillover’ effect,” explained Professor Samuel Garcia, an expert in Andean security at Columbia University. “As Colombia’s influence diminishes, the vacuum is filled by other producers, creating new vulnerabilities and requiring a more coordinated international response.” The escalating tensions between Ecuador and Peru regarding drug trafficking routes further complicate the situation.
The U.S. Department of State’s initiative underscores a shift in strategic priorities, moving beyond solely punitive measures towards a more multifaceted approach that incorporates intelligence sharing, capacity building, and support for local law enforcement. The long-term success, however, depends on recognizing that counter-narcotics efforts are only part of the solution. A truly sustainable approach demands a commitment to tackling the underlying conditions that enable organized crime to flourish. This coordinated strategy, implemented strategically, may yield some success but the fundamental challenges of organized crime in the Andes remain deeply entrenched.