James Bond is sent to New Orleans to investigate the murder of his colleague, British agent Baines. The culprit is suspected to be a criminal mastermind named Dr. Kananga. As he begins his investigation, Bond is aided by a local CIA agent, Rosie Carver, who is also investigating Kananga.
Bond soon discovers that Kananga is, in fact, the notorious gangster Mr. Big, who controls a vast drug trafficking ring. He also uncovers Kananga's plan to distribute heroin for free in America, addicting the population and creating a monopoly on the drug trade.
Bond travels to the Caribbean to stop Kananga's plot and is joined by a young clairvoyant named Solitaire. Together, they work to stop Kananga's drug operation and rescue Solitaire from the clutches of Mr. Big.
Along the way, Bond encounters a host of colorful characters, including Tee Hee, Mr. Big's henchman with a metal arm, and Baron Samedi, a voodoo priest.
In the end, Bond defeats Kananga and destroys his drug operation, saving the lives of countless Americans.