A debt-ridden plant pathologist flees the mob and agrees to team up with a Peruvian drug lord to combat US backed crop eradication and earn enough to pay back his debt.  But when he falls for the drug lord’s “anti-drugs” activist daughter, he finds himself in a life or death situation.

SYNOPSIS:

In 1992, Miguel, a bright young plant pathologist, worked for the National Clonal Germplasm Laboratory in Davis, CA. Put through college by his field worker Mexican immigrant parents, they counted on him for a lot. When Miguel’s father needed an operation, Miguel looked for other places for money even if they were immoral and/or illegal. He started gambling at the blackjack tables in Reno and exhibited addiction tendencies. When that didn’t work out he tried to sell drugs on the street. After his mentor was killed and he lost his job he decided to fly to Peru based on information he obtained from his former employer.

In Peru, Miguel sought out the local drug lord of the Upper Huallaga Valley. After many roadblocks he almost gave up. Finally he managed to meet the daughter (Maria) of the Drug lord and eventually met the Drug lord (Juan). Miguel convinced Juan that his crops were going to be sprayed (and killed) by US planes during “Operation Snowcap.” Miguel also convinced Juan that he knew how to concoct an anti-fungicide which would counter the effect of the spraying. They agree on a deal but neither of them trusts each other.

Maria becomes the love interest of Miguel. Maria is against her father’s drug business and fights for sustainable and righteous farming practices. This causes a conflict for Miguel because Maria wants his help and does not know that Miguel is helping Juan.

At the midpoint Miguel thinks he’s got it made. He’s got the plan, the money coming, the new girlfriend. But the conflict between Maria and Juan is planting a seed in Miguel that causes him to think what he’s doing may be wrong.

Maria asks Miguel to steal her father’s money, which is also somewhat immoral but could be thought of as the lesser of the two evils. Miguel secretly finds out Juan may not pay him. Then Maria finds out about the deal with Juan, packs her things and leaves. This leaves Miguel at a very low point and forces him to make a moral choice about where he is in his life.

Just before Operation Snowcap is to begin, Miguel dumps the fungicide and replaces it with water. He steals Juan’s drug money and escapes.

Miguel meets Maria and they reunite The final scene is at a casino where Miguel finds himself in a situation where he has to choose blackjack or Maria.