A former Missouri high school valedictorian was apprehended by Argentine customs officers on Sept. 13, 2024, at Ezeiza airport in Buenos Aires, carrying what officials believe could be the largest seizure of the party drug butyl nitrate, commonly known as "poppers," by the agency. Braiden John Wilson, 27, was found with approximately half a gallon of the chemical compound, classified as a hazardous inhalant and illegal in Argentina, concealed within 55 vials.
The drugs, branded as "Rush," "Gold Rush," and "Jungle Juice," were discovered in Wilson's suitcase. He told authorities that he intended to use the substances socially and had no intention of selling or smuggling them, noting they were not hidden because they are readily available in stores and online in the United States. Wilson stated he was traveling to Argentina for a friend's birthday.
Officials indicated that this seizure is significantly larger than the typical one to five vials found in most of the approximately 76 seizures of this substance in the past two years. Along with the butyl nitrate, authorities confiscated five iPhones and $1,201 in cash found in Wilson's possession.
Wilson, who currently resides in New York City, faced charges of attempted smuggling of drug contraband. He was initially subject to a potential three-year suspended prison sentence and strict monitoring. However, he reached a settlement that involved a $1,200 donation to a public children's hospital in Buenos Aires and $300 in reparations. After initially paying only $400, Wilson was ordered to appear in court on August 11. In a subsequent agreement approved on August 28, Wilson was permitted to use the seized cash to satisfy his financial obligations, arguing hardship.
Butyl nitrate is an inhalant that produces a brief euphoric effect by widening blood vessels, but it can cause dizziness and muscle relaxation. Its recreational use is considered potentially dangerous for individuals with heart conditions, anemia, or glaucoma, with reported adverse effects including fainting, vision loss, and retinal damage.
This incident is not the first legal trouble for Wilson. In May 2017, the same year he graduated as valedictorian from Bismarck High School, Wilson was charged with theft from his employer, JCPenney. He was accused of stealing over $2,000 through fraudulent returns at a Farmington, Missouri, store. At the time, Wilson admitted to investigators that he believed he was entitled to the items due to perceived poor treatment by management. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft in May 2018, receiving a suspended 180-day jail sentence, two years of unsupervised probation, and court costs.