The Winnipeg Police Service Firearms Investigation and Enforcement Unit (FIEU) have seized a number of 3D-printed gun parts used in the making of ghost guns.
The investigation began in November of this year into the manufacturing and trafficking of 3D-printed guns. As the investigation unfolded it was determined that legitimate 3D printer services were hired to manufacture handgun lower receiver assemblies known as receiver blanks. These blanks would then be used to create functioning ghost guns by the criminal network who hired the printer services.
Over the span of a month FIEU investigators executed search warrants, seized multiple 3D-printed receiver blanks, 3D-printers, laptops, cellphones and spools of 3D filament and arrested three suspects.
A 30-year-old male and a 19-year-old male are facing Weapons Trafficking charges for their alleged involvement. A 45-year-old man who was initially arrested was released with no charges after consultation with crown prosecuters.
Police noted that a receiver blank is considered a firearm. Making 3D-printed receiver blanks and creating 3D-printed ghost guns is illegal in Canada.
