Archeology Professor Robert Burns (Steven Seagal) is leading an important dig of ancient ruins on the eastern Chinese border when he discovers that the Chinese Mafia, known as the Tong, is using his shipments of newly discovered artifacts to smuggle narcotics across the border. He attempts to flee, but is stopped at the border, framed with some damning evidence, and thrown into Chinese prison, where he is presumed guilty until proven innocent. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency eventually convinces the Chinese that Burns will be of more use to them outside of jail, where he can hunt down the real smugglers and lead the authorities to them. But it's not long before the Tong find out when and why Burns has been released, and they will stop at nothing to kill him to protect their own corrupt interests