Organized Crime: Frank Lucas (8/22/24)

Beyond The Horizon

Frank Lucas was a notorious American drug trafficker who rose to power in the 1960s and 1970s, primarily known for his role in the heroin trade. Born in North Carolina in 1930, Lucas moved to Harlem, New York, where he became involved in organized crime under the mentorship of Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson. After Johnson's death, Lucas built his own drug empire by bypassing the traditional Mafia-controlled networks and directly sourcing heroin from Southeast Asia, a strategy that allowed him to dominate the market with a purer and cheaper product known as "Blue Magic."
At the peak of his operation, Lucas was earning up to $1 million a day, making him one of the most powerful drug lords in the country. However, his success attracted the attention of law enforcement, leading to his arrest in 1975. Lucas eventually cooperated with authorities, providing information that led to the conviction of numerous corrupt officials and criminals. His life story was later dramatized in the film American Gangster, bringing his tale of crime, wealth, and eventual downfall to a wider audience.
Lucas passed away in 2019, leaving behind a legacy as both a feared criminal and a symbol of the devastating impact of the heroin trade on American society.
(commercial at 9:25)
to contact me:
[e-mail]