Cannabis plants grow inside a production facility in Simcoe, Ont., Tuesday, April 13, 2021. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Tara Walton)
A Winnipeg criminal defence lawyer has been arrested following a year-long investigation into a scheme to smuggle cannabis into Headingley Correctional Centre.
The Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team says the investigation began after correctional officers detected the smell of cannabis inside the facility on March 30, 2025.
Officers later identified a suspect and continued the investigation, which also uncovered an alleged conspiracy involving a restricted firearm.
RCMP arrested 43-year-old Chad Sutherland of Winnipeg on March 27. He is charged with conspiracy to distribute cannabis, conspiracy to commit mischief, and conspiracy to possess a prohibited or restricted firearm. He remains in custody.
Police say two other Winnipeg suspects were previously charged in the case. Hunter Audette, 31, and Krystle Richard, 41, are both facing charges related to conspiring to commit an indictable offence. Audette remains in custody, and both cases are still before the courts.
According to a statement on the Law Society of Manitoba website, Sutherland was suspended indefinitely on January 22, 2026 due to professional misconduct.
