Charlottetown interim police chief Darren MacDougall was fined under Prince Edward Island’s Cannabis Control Act for buying cannabis product from an unregulated store.[1] In July 2025 he bought cannabis product from an unregulated store on Abegweit First Nation while the store was under investigation by the RCMP.[1] About a year later court records show the RCMP fined him $200 under the provincial Act, and he pleaded guilty and paid the fine.[1] The fine came in July shortly after he became interim chief, and he said he informed city officials immediately.[1]
MacDougall said he stopped at Mniku Trading Post while driving east to play golf and thought the First Nation location made the purchase permissible.[1] Prince Edward Island RCMP confirmed a Charlottetown Police member received a summary offence ticket for the purchase as part of a larger investigation.[1] The RCMP warned that unregulated cannabis is often untested, can be dozens of times stronger than legally sold cannabis, and can contain harmful or unmarked material.[1] MacDougall said he had believed treaty issues might allow cannabis sales on reserves but accepted that someone in his position should have known better.[1]
City human resources officials said they reviewed the matter, were satisfied with how it was addressed, and remain confident in his leadership.[1] First Nations across Canada have argued they have the right to sell cannabis, but no court has agreed and RCMP have raided shops.[1] Charlottetown has been without a permanent police chief for more than a year.[1] MacDougall, a member of Charlottetown police for three decades, said he has interviewed for the permanent job and wants it.[1]
