Most wanted fugitive cartel leader Fito was recaptured after more than a year in hiding in Ecuador.

Jose Adolfo Macias, also known as Fito, had escaped from Guayaquil Prison last year, where he was serving a 34-year sentence for drug trafficking and murder.

He remained on the run for 18 months before police and military forces tracked him down at an underground bunker in Manta.

Footage shows the cartel boss pinned to the ground during his arrest. Armed soldiers in full combat gear stormed a small room where he was found shirtless.

An officer pointed a gun at his head while they interrogated him and dragged him out. The joint operation lasted more than 10 hours.

Fito is expected to be extradited to the United States, where he faces additional charges related to drug trafficking and firearms smuggling.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa said: ‘My recognition to our police and military who participated in this operation. More will fall, we will reclaim the country. No truce.'