News release

Weapons and methamphetamine seized by Carrot River RCMP

March 20, 2026 - Red Earth Cree Nation, Saskatchewan
From: Saskatchewan RCMP

Content

Carrot River RCMP charged four adults after seizing methamphetamine, and weapons at four separate residences on Red Earth Cree Nation, following a traffic stop.

On March 17, 2026, Carrot River RCMP conducted a traffic stop on Red Earth Cree Nation. The driver was arrested for impaired driving and was in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine. The two passengers were detained after ammunition, a machete and two loaded air pistols were located during a search of the vehicle. One of the passengers was also in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine. The third passenger was released with no charges.

As a result of continued investigation, the driver of the truck, 40-year-old Harlan Whitehead from Red Earth Cree Nation is charged with:

• three counts, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88, Criminal Code;
• one count, refusal of breath demand, Section 320.15(1)(a), Criminal Code;
• one count, impaired operation of conveyance, Section 320.14(1)(a), Criminal Code; and
• one count, possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code.

27-year-old Chad Head from Red Earth Cree Nation is charged with:

• one count, possession of a prohibited firearm, Section 91(1), Criminal Code;
• two counts, possession of a firearm with a tampered serial number, Section 108(1)(b), Criminal Code;
• one count, possession of a loaded prohibited firearm, Section 95(1), Criminal Code;
• three counts, unsafe storage of firearm, Section 86(1), Criminal Code;
• one count, unsafe storage of firearm, Section 86(2), Criminal Code;
• one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88, Criminal Code; and
• one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Further investigation resulted in search warrants executed at four separate residences on Red Earth Cree Nation on March 18. During the searches, officers located and seized 15 firearms, large quantities of drug trafficking paraphernalia, and multiple cell phones. As a result, two additional adults were charged. 

39-year-old Harla Whitehead from Red Earth Cree Nation is charged with:

• three counts, unauthorized possession of a firearm, Section 91(2), Criminal Code;
• five counts, unsafe storage of firearm, Section 86(2), Criminal Code;
• two counts, possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized, Section 92(1), Criminal Code;
• one count, possession of a firearm with a tampered serial number, Section 108(1)(a), Criminal Code; and
• four counts, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88(1), Criminal Code.

Harlan Whitehead, Chad Head, and Harla Whitehead are scheduled to appear in Melfort Provincial Court on March 26, 2026 (Information #90530492, #90530493, #90530495). 

34-year-old Harlos Whitehead from Red Earth Cree Nation is charged with:

• one count, careless use of a firearm, Section 86(1), Criminal Code; and
• one count, adult weapons possession contrary to order and fail to surrender authorization, Section 117.01(1), Criminal Code.

Harlos Whitehead is scheduled to appear in Melfort Provincial Court on April 23, 2026 (Information #90535392). 

Carrot River RCMP continue to investigate.