-> JHype

The black street gangs wasn't involved in drug trafficking during the beginning of the French Connection (30-40s). The time frame of the 30s to 40s is when the black gangs was involved in small crimes. The 50s-60s is when activities start growing into the areas of extortion, cargo theft, and prostitution. You could somewhat add misappropriation. By the end of the French Connection in the 70s, the black gangs have made connections to heroin suppliers ( Frank Matthew, Frank Lucas, Nigerians, etc) and other forms of racketeering.

The manpower they had back in the 60s exceeded the Outfit back them as well.