Police in Ecuador say they have captured the fugitive leader of a powerful criminal gang.

Fabricio Colón Pico, the leader of Los Lobos, had been on the run since escaping from jail on 8 January.

Officials said they had traced Colón Pico, who had dyed his hair blonde in an effort to change his appearance, to the town of Puerto Quito.

Ecuador’s attorney-general, Diana Salazar, has accused Colón Pico of plotting to kill her.

The 44-year-old was one of the most wanted people in the country. His gang has been accused of planning last year’s murder of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicenio.

Los Lobos is estimated to have some 8,000 members and is thought to have links to the Mexican Jalisco New Generation cartel.

Its members engage in drug trafficking and are accused of working as hitmen.

Police said Colón Pico had been detained in the early hours of Monday “after several months of investigative work”.

Read Original Article