Based on a true story, American Gangster is the story of two men: Frank Lucas, former driver, bouncer, and collector for Bumpy Johnson, the so-called Robin Hood of Harlem; and Richie Roberts, night-school lawyer, detective, and honest cop. Frank is importing heroin direct from Bangkok--by-passing the Italian and Sicilian mafia--undercutting their prices, delivering superior product, and making a fortune. Richie, loathed by cops on the take for turning in a million bucks in unmarked bills found in a suspects car, is heading a newly formed Federal investigation force for narcotics, tasked with finding and arresting North American drug kingpins. These two men are destined to meet, a meeting that will change their lives.