American Gangster: A True Story of Crime and Corruption

The Rise and Fall of Frank Lucas

American Gangster is a 2007 American biographical crime drama film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The film is based on the true story of Frank Lucas, a drug kingpin who smuggled heroin into the United States from Southeast Asia during the 1970s.

Lucas was born in La Grange, North Carolina, in 1930. He moved to Harlem, New York, in the 1950s and quickly became involved in the drug trade. By the early 1970s, Lucas was one of the most powerful drug dealers in New York City.

Lucas's downfall began in 1975 when he was arrested by the New York City Police Department. He was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to 70 years in prison. Lucas served 15 years in prison and was released in 1991.

The Blue Magic Connection

One of the most notorious aspects of Lucas's drug operation was his use of "Blue Magic," a high-quality heroin that he smuggled into the United States from Southeast Asia. Lucas claimed that he was able to get heroin from Thailand for $4,000 a kilo and sell it in New York City for $100,000 a kilo.

Lucas's heroin was so potent that it quickly became the drug of choice for many addicts in New York City. By the early 1970s, Lucas was making millions of dollars a month from his drug operation.

The Downfall of Frank Lucas

Lucas's drug empire began to crumble in 1975 when he was arrested by the New York City Police Department. He was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to 70 years in prison.

Lucas served 15 years in prison and was released in 1991. He has since become a motivational speaker and has worked to help others avoid the mistakes that he made.