Los Choneros
Los Choneros | |
| Founded | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Founded by | Jorge Bismark Véliz España |
| Founding location | Chone, Ecuador |
| Years active | 2005−present |
| Territory | Manabí, Guayas |
| Ethnicity | Ecuadorians |
| Membership | 12,000-20,000 (2025) |
| Leaders | Jorge Véliz X (2005–2007) Jorge Luis Zambrano X (2007–2020) José Adolfo Macías Villamar (2020-2025, captured and extradited) |
| Criminal activities | |
| Allies | Sinaloa Cartel Clan del Golfo Urías Rondón Front Kompania Bello |
| Rivals |
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Los Choneros (Spanish pronunciation: [los tʃoˈneɾos]) is an organized crime syndicate that first emerged in Manabí Province, Ecuador. The gang is involved in organized crime, including drug trafficking, extortion, and robbery, many crimes being carried out through prisons with the help of corrupt officials. Los Choneros work with groups in Colombia, Peru, and Mexico, in order to traffic drugs like cocaine into the United States.