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Joint Action on Drug Elimination (JADE)

JADE, a PAX sapiens initiative, is centered on creating international anti-narcotics cooperation.

JADE was initiated with the understanding that U.S.-China anti-narcotics cooperation is pivotal for building mutual understanding and strengthening US China motivation to work together. JADE addresses the core problem of insufficient understanding of the complex chemical supply chains originating in China, which are used to manufacture deadly synthetic drugs in Mexico and are fueling the synthetic drug crisis in the U.S. and Canada. JADE works to align efforts where political sensitivities or intelligence gaps might otherwise stall progress. Its goal is to support law enforcement and regulatory actions through smarter, coordinated strategies and encourages the development of robust multilateral mechanisms to disrupt synthetic drug production and save lives

JADE provides a trusted, neutral forum for advancing collective action moving beyond blame towards pragmatic, win-win solutions in the fight against synthetic drugs.

How JADE Helps Create Anti-Narcotics Cooperation

  • Engage with diverse stakeholders on synthetic opioid related issues in China, the US, Canada and Mexico.
  • Research and document insights providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced within China regarding the regulation of chemicals used in the production of synthetic opioids.
  • Assess and examine the enforcement and regulatory entities responsible for controlling the export of precursor chemicals from China, to identify gaps in regulatory authority or enforcement capacity.
  • Provide for the direct exchange of best practices for industry based self-regulation to mitigate illegal fentanyl and precursor chemical diversion and smuggling.
  • Share these findings with decision-makers in the US and China.
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Daniel Baldwin

Director, JADE

Daniel Baldwin leads the Joint Action on Drug Elimination (JADE), a program that fosters U.S.-China collaboration on drug control issues to improve relations and develop cooperative solutions. Since retired, Daniel dedicated over 25 years to federal law enforcement, holding supervisory positions in Texas, Washington DC, and China. Currently, he focuses on building trust with international partners at PAX sapiens to address the global synthetic drug crisis. This aligns with PAX sapiens’ mission of fostering a safer and more cooperative global landscape. In his past career Daniel collaborated with professionals from various law enforcement agencies to create strategies to reduce the supply of fentanyl in the U.S. His experience in both domestic and international law enforcement has reinforced his belief that strong partnerships and trust are essential for effectively addressing the global drug crisis.

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Hamish McCardle

JADE Representative – U.S.-China Program

Hamish McCardle is the JADE Representative at the Beijing office of the Arsenault Family Foundation. Hamish brings over 40 years of policing experience, including more than 15 years in China, to his role supporting the Arsenault Family Foundation’s Joint Action on Drug Elimination (JADE). He has worked closely with China’s Ministry of Public Security on cross-border criminal investigations and held diplomatic assignments in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Jakarta. His appointment as the first foreign Visiting Professor at the Ministry of Public Security University, and his board role with the Lianyungang Forum, reflect his ability to form trusted partnerships at senior levels. Hamish combines advanced degrees from Victoria University of Wellington and China University of Political Science and Law with a track record as a successful international police liaison officer.