Alleged heroin trafficker extradited from Colombia to New York City

A Colombian man suspected of trafficking heroin into the United States has been extradited to New York City as he awaits trial on drug trafficking charges in Manhattan.

Junior Escobar Miranda allegedly used human smugglers, or drug mules, to ship more than 20 pounds of heroin from Colombia to the United States between May and October of 2017, New York Post reports. The drugs were allegedly smuggled in suitcases, according to prosecutors.

The Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor said in a statement that Escobar Miranda was arrested and extradited to New York on Friday after federal, state and Colombian law enforcement found text messages and other evidence that implicated him on the charges.

Miranda allegedly provided detailed instructions to his co-conspirators through text messages about how to drop off the suitcases in the United States, authorities said.

In October 2017, NYPD officers in Queens seized two kilograms that Miranda helped smuggle, prosecutors said.

"Escobar Miranda's extradition to New York City represents law enforcement's commitment to holding drug traffickers accountable for actions that claim precious lives, even those who believe they are safely beyond our reach," Special Prosecutor Bridget Brennan said in a statement, the Post reports.

Miranda also allegedly laundered drug money through a Chinese national to bank accounts he controlled in Colombia.

Miranda awaits arraignment in Manhattan Supreme Court.