July 25, 2024, Winnipeg, Man. – In November 2023, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Firearms Investigation and Enforcement Unit (FIEU) began investigating the manufacturing and trafficking of 3D-printed firearms.
3D-printed guns are illegal to manufacture and sell. As with all firearms, they are considered dangerous and potentially lethal.
A crime network approached several local metal fabricators to create components to manufacture Glock-style 3D handguns. Concerns regarding these custom orders were reported to the Winnipeg Police Service.
FIEU, with the assistance of the RCMP-NWEST, the Canada Border Services Agency, Correctional Service Canada and Manitoba Corrections, identified several individuals involved in this criminal operation.
Investigators determined that a 25-year-old male, who was in custody and already sentenced, was providing direction regarding the manufacturing and trafficking of 3D-printed guns to the criminal element.
On March 20, 2024, search warrants were executed at four residences in Winnipeg and several individuals were taken into custody. As a result of this investigation, the following items were seized:
- 3D-printed Glock-style handgun
- 9mm ammunition
- 3D printer, filament and SD cards storing prohibited computer data
- Tools to manufacture handgun
- Three non-restricted rifles
- Two prohibited knives
- SKS ammunition
- Computers
- Cell phones
Although only one 3D gun was seized, police believe there are between twelve and twenty of these manufactured 3D handguns currently circulating within the criminal element.
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