Following the death of his employer and mentor, Bumpy Johnson, Frank Lucas establishes himself as the number one importer of heroin in Harlem. He does so by buying heroin directly from a source in South East Asia, and he comes up with a unique way of importing the drugs into the United States. As a result, his product is superior to what is currently available on the street and his prices are lower. His alliance with the New York Mafia ensures his position. Richie Roberts is a dedicated and honest policeman who heads up a joint narcotics task force with the Federal government and is determined to bring down Lucas' drug empire. Based on a true story.

Based on the article "The return of Superfly," by Mark Jacobson. DVD release of the 2007 motion picture. Special features: Disc 1: commentary with director Ridley Scott and writer Steven Zailian (theatrical version only) ; Disc 2: deleted scenes (includes alternate opening and interior wedding ceremony); "Falling empire: making American gangster" (includes TruBlue: the real story, Killer threads: costumes, crime war, Production: into the arena, Ali vs. Frazier, Rhythm of the Street: sound, music and editing); case files (includes script meeting, Heroin test show & Tell: setting up and takedown).

Extended version (174 min.) -- Theatrical version (158 min.).