Enjoyed that thoughtful post. Yet want to correct you on a few notes.

I think you meant Frank Matthews not Lucas. Most Black & Latino american based DTOs ( Drug Trafficking Organizations) also prefer to remain in the shadows and have lower level members or contractors due the dirty work of killings. Generally it's only when needed but it's the business aspect of the drug trade. Some of these DTOs are maximizing profits from mid-level to street-level. Laundering the proceeds into legit establishments and other illicit activities , you never know who the King/Queenpins until DEA/FBI indictments (McDonald's manager style Gus )

The street gang member mentality is same as mobsters but varies on age. Young members tend to wants 10s of millions overnight while mature members do long term planning. Besides their not solely reliant on drugs from their inception nor will fallback on it as the only hustle. That's why currently their involved in white collar crime, high $$$ low risk. They evolved as well.

On the other note about the main/lead drug in America , it's diverse because it varies state to state and cities. Heroin is the minor market in Mississippi and Coke/Meth/Weed are majors. Dealers work together Black,White, Vietnamese , and Mexican in the trafficking scene. No LCN market in these parts; just the good ole boys, drug crews/org, 5 & 6, and Corruption galore.