Convicted Drug Dealer Ran Operations From Kennewick Businesses

Late Thursday, sentencing was announced for a Benton City man who will serve time for running a Tri-City drug operation. (this image from Google Street View listed matching FBI and US Justice business location)

Man worked directly with Mexican drug cartel leaders

Julio Leal Parra, 47, will spend 191 months in jail for his role in a drug ring that involved direct contact with leaders of the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico. According to the Eastern District of WA and US Department of Justice:

"Task Force Officers identified Parra as the head of a cell who worked directly with leaders of the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico.  Parra facilitated and organized large drug shipments of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin into the communities that make up the Eastern District of Washington. While running his drug operation, Parra operated “Perfect Design,” an upholstery business, and “SuKarne,” a meat market, in Kennewick. "

From December 2016 through October 2019, Parra reportedly brought at least 1,000 lbs. of various illegal drugs into Washington state.

Federal officials say Parra used his two businesses to store drugs and launder money related to the operation.

SuKarne was located at the corner of Highway 395 and Ely and Kennewick Ave., the address being 402 North Ely, Suite B.    Yelp data shows the location is permanently closed.  The other business, Perfect Design Upholstery, was located at 6729 West Clearwater.

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Parra will also face a variety of fines and other penalties for his role in the drug ring.