10 Things You May Not Know About the Real "American Gangster" Frank Lucas

On November 2^nd, 2007, Universal Studios will release to the public, "American Gangster", a film based on the life of notorious Harlem drug lord, Frank Lucas. Starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe in the lead roles, this film also features an ensemble cast of supporting actors. This movie, while focusing on Lucas' extensive drug trade operation, will also highlight some fairly drastic differences in the work ethics of both Richie Roberts ( the detective responsible for bringing Lucas down)-and the American Gangster himself.

Frank Lucas' story is both a fascinating and frightening one. Despite the fact that directors and screenplay writers do much research to ensure the authenticity of the characters and situations, there are simply some details that films happen to overlook. Keeping that in mind, here are some things that you may not know about the legendary Frank Lucas...

#1 - "The Cadaver Connection"

Frank Lucas, was most known for his cunning way of transporting illegal drugs into the country. In the coffins of deceased Vietnam servicemen returning to the United States, Lucas hid hundreds of kilos of heroin. He outfitted the coffins with a false bottom, packed the heroin so that it did not slide around during transport, and made certain to only transport the drugs in the coffins of larger men (so as not to arouse suspicion).

#2 - The Million Dollar Man

It is estimated that Frank Lucas earned up to $1 million dollars per day selling heroin on the streets of Harlem. He was known to sell the drugs on the streets himself.

#3 - The Ultimate Escape Artist

Despite being sentenced to 70 years in prison in 1975 for his drug trafficking efforts, Lucas only served 6 years before being released as a condition of his aiding police in convicting over 100 additional drug lords. (He was later arrested again a short time later for drug trafficking.)

#4 - Reading, Writing, Arithmetic...