Frank Lucas is a powerful and respected member of the social elite. Intelligent and observant, Lucas is responsible for the widespread drug addiction running rampant on the streets of Harlem. Detective Richie Roberts is an outcast cop and a womanizing boor, but is also the only cop willing and capable to take on the burgeoning drug problem. American Gangster is an epic crime drama which analyzes the social milieu of Harlem and raises thought-provoking questions on the pursuit and validity of the American Dream.