By Elisinio Castillo

Last month, light heavyweight contender Edison "La Pantera" Miranda was listed as a fugitive by federal authorities, after the boxer was indicted, along with 28 others, in connection to an international drug trafficking and money laundering organization with members of the group residing in Puerto Rico, Colombia and Florida. Charges include - conspiracy to import and possess controlled substances, money laundering and international money laundering.

Miranda was one of four people who could not be located when service agents from ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] made sweeping arrests with warrants in hand. There were arrests in Puerto Rico, Colombia and Florida.

The head of ICE in Puerto Rico, Angel Melendez, told El Nuevo Dia that Miranda's tasks were mostly related to money laundering transactions in connection to the proceeds from the organization's drug sales.

"His job was to bring the money back and forth," said Melendez in a press conference.

Miranda was not on the run for too long. He voluntarily surrendered to federal authorities in Puerto Rico. He posted a $10,000 bond and was allowed to return home to his residence in Florida - but he must report to the authorities Puerto Rico whenever required. His arraignment will take place on February 24.

Miranda (36-10, 31 KOs), was born in Colombia but trained as a boxer mostly in Puerto Rico. Miranda's last appearance in the ring was last September 7th in Colombia, where he faced Daniel Noguera and knocked him out in the first round.