Frank Lucas is born in La Grange, North Carolina.
Lucas moves to Harlem, New York, where he begins his involvement in the drug trade.
Lucas establishes a heroin smuggling operation, cutting out middlemen by sourcing directly from Southeast Asia.
Increasing violence and conflicts between drug gangs in Harlem.
Detective Richie Roberts starts pursuing Frank Lucas' drug operations.
Frank Lucas is arrested on drug charges after a major investigation.
Lucas cooperates with law enforcement, leading to numerous arrests in the drug trade.
Frank Lucas arrives back in Harlem from Vietnam and begins working under gangster Bumpy Johnson.
After Bumpy Johnson's death, Frank Lucas takes control of the Harlem heroin trade, establishing direct connections to the source in Southeast Asia.
Frank Lucas brands his heroin as 'Blue Magic' and sells it at a premium quality and lower price, quickly dominating the market.
Richie Roberts, a principled detective, joins the narcotics division in New York City and becomes determined to take down the heroin trade.
Richie Roberts begins investigating the expanding heroin operations in Harlem, uncovering the sophistication behind the trade.
Frank Lucas establishes a smuggling route for heroin directly from the Golden Triangle in Southeast Asia using military planes.
Frank uses his family members and trusted lieutenants to manage his drug operations and avoid detection by law enforcement.
Richie develops a network of informants and gains insider information to penetrate Frank Lucas's organization.
Loyalty within Frank’s organization begins to falter, leading to tension and threats to his empire.
Richie compiles evidence through wiretaps, surveillance, and informants to prepare a case against Lucas.
Frank Lucas is arrested and faces charges related to drug trafficking and murder.
Frank Lucas faces trial and is convicted, leading to a lengthy prison sentence.
Richie negotiates with Lucas, who provides information on other criminal operations in exchange for reduced sentencing.
