Frank Lucas was born on September 9, 1930, in rural North Carolina. He grew up in poverty, surrounded by violence and crime. As a young man, he turned to a life of petty crime and pool hustling to make ends meet.
Lucas eventually made his way to New York City, where he caught the attention of crime boss Bumpy Johnson. Johnson saw potential in Lucas and took him under his wing, eventually making him his right-hand man.
After Johnson's death, Lucas took over his mentor's heroin operation and quickly became one of the biggest drug dealers in New York City. He was notorious for his ruthless tactics and ability to evade law enforcement.
Lucas's empire grew rapidly, expanding to other cities across the country. He became known for his high-quality heroin, which he smuggled into the United States from Southeast Asia in the coffins of American soldiers who died in the Vietnam War.
In 1975, Lucas was arrested and convicted on multiple drug charges. He was sentenced to seventy years in prison, but due to his cooperation with the police, he was released after serving only five years.
Lucas was married to his longtime wife, Julianna Farrait, with whom he had seven children. Despite his criminal activities, he was known to be a devoted family man who provided for his loved ones.
In 2007, Lucas's life story was brought to the big screen in the film American Gangster, where he was portrayed by actor Denzel Washington. The movie depicted his rise to power and subsequent downfall, showcasing the gritty reality of the drug trade in New York City during the 1970s.
Frank Lucas's legacy as one of the most notorious drug dealers in American history continues to captivate audiences and spark debate about the nature of crime, power, and redemption.