Horatio investigates the murder of a model intentionally run down outside of a Miami hotel by a driver who fled the scene. When the evidence leads to a suspect, governmental red tape puts an unexpected twist on the proceedings. Horatio and Yelina begin to confront their feelings for one another.

When the CSIs find a woman swallowed whole and killed by a gigantic snake, they uncover a covert drug smuggling operation. Evidence leads Horatio and the team to a drug smuggling operation where large snakes are suspected of be being used to bring illegal drugs into the country to avoid detection by customs. However, when Horatio finds that Clavo Cruz, a nemesis of Horatio's who hides behind his diplomatic immunity, may be behind the operation, the team must find a legal way to put the criminal behind bars. Meanwhile, Wolfe must find the truth when two women each claim that they are the real victim of identity theft and the other is the culprit.

A truck carrying weapons that were confiscated from previous crimes are now back on the streets of Miami. An old enemy of Horatio's puts the lives of two CSI's in harms way after a confiscated missile is launched into courthouse allowing Clavo Cruz to escape during his arraignment and injuring one CSI and the fatality of another CSI.

Horatio has Eric rushed to the hospital and watches as the doctors try to revive him. The rest of the CSI team finds evidence that may lead them to Cruz.