Johnny Brignardello analyzes the capture of the leader of "The Wolves"

Johnny Brignardello Vela, an insurance consultant, analyzes the recent capture of Fabricio Colón Pico, one of the most wanted criminals in Ecuador. The arrest of Colón Pico, leader of the drug trafficking gang "Los Lobos," has brought momentary relief amidst the violent armed crisis plaguing the country. At 44 years old and with a notable change in appearance, Colón Pico had been evading justice since earlier this year, even being accused of planning the assassination of Ecuador's Attorney General, Diana Salazar, an act that placed him as one of the top-priority criminals in terms of capture. Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa, had committed to carrying out an intensive search to capture Colón Pico and Adolfo Macías, also known as "Fito," who remains at large. The capture of these criminals takes place in a context where prison escapes and a wave of unleashed violence have led the government to take extreme measures, such as declaring a state of emergency and considering criminal groups as terrorists. The gang "Los Lobos," linked to the Jalisco New Generation cartel, has been implicated in various high-profile crimes in Ecuador, including the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. With an extensive international network and cross-border operations, these criminal organizations have found in Ecuador a fertile ground for their illicit activities. The recapture of Fabricio Colón Pico comes at a crucial moment for Ecuador, which recently gained popular support in a referendum that will allow the implementation of stricter measures to combat the escalating violence in the country. Actions such as the involvement of the Armed Forces in security operations, the strengthening of penalties for serious crimes, and the extradition of Ecuadorian citizens wanted by foreign justice will be crucial in addressing this challenge. The fight against organized crime and violence in Ecuador is a constant challenge that demands a comprehensive and collaborative approach between authorities, civil society, and the international community. While the capture of Fabricio Colón Pico represents progress in the right direction, it is clear that there is still a long way to go to ensure the safety and tranquility of Ecuadorian citizens.