News release
Winnipeg male charged with conspiracy to smuggle cannabis into Headingley Correctional Centre
March 31, 2026
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Winnipeg, Manitoba
From: Manitoba RCMP
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Following a year-long investigation, the Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team (MILET) has arrested and charged an adult male who conspired to smuggle cannabis into Headingley Correctional Centre.
The investigation spawned from an incident that occurred one year ago – on March 30, 2025 – when correctional officers noted an odour of cannabis and sought to determine who had brought the drug into the facility.
Officers from the MILET East team took charge of the probe about a week later and subsequently identified a male working as a criminal defence lawyer as a suspect in the case. Legal proceedings related to the ongoing investigation were concluded earlier this month, allowing officers to move forward and lay charges against the suspect. As part of the investigation, MILET officers also determined the suspect conspired to possess a restricted firearm.
On March 27, 2026, RCMP arrested Chad Sutherland, 43, of Winnipeg. He has been charged with:
- Conspiracy to distribute cannabis;
- Conspiracy to commit mischief; and
- Conspiracy to possess a prohibited or restricted firearm.
Sutherland remains in custody.
Two suspects were previously charged in the case.
Hunter Audette, 31, and 41-year-old Krystle Richard, both of Winnipeg, were charged last year with two counts of conspiring to commit an indictable offence in connection with the investigation. Audette remains in custody. Both cases remain before the courts.