(CNN) Frank Lucas, the infamous drug kingpin whose life of crime inspired the movie "American Gangster," died Thursday at the age of 88, according to his nephew, Aldwan Lassiter. Lucas died of natural causes at a care facility in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, Lassiter said. Lucas was known as the king of the drug trade in New York City in the late 1960s and early 70s, according to the biography database Gale Biography in Context. Because of the high demand for his heroin, called "Blue Magic," Lucas reportedly made $1 million a day, according to Contemporary Authors Online. Lucas was arrested in 1975, convicted on drug charges and sentenced to 70 years in prison, according to the biography database.

Source: CNN June 01, 2019 21:53 UTC