In the 1960s, three former prisoners, Carlito Brigante, Earl, and Rocco, form a strong bond while incarcerated. Upon their release, Rocco facilitates a heroin business with the Italian Mafia, while Carlito negotiates with a local kingpin to operate in his neighborhood. As their power grows, Carlito begins an affair with a beautiful woman named Leticia. However, when Earl decides to leave the business and move to Barbados, his reckless younger brother gets them into trouble with the Italian mob, forcing Carlito and Rocco to take drastic measures to protect themselves.

Carlito's Way: Rise to Power
Carlito Brigante, a rising power in the Harlem heroin trade, dominated the lucrative market in the late 1960s.