3D printed firearms slowly on the rise

While 3D guns are the latest problem for law enforcement in some parts of the country, Toronto has so far been somewhat spared.

“While we haven’t seen a rise in 3D guns in particular in Toronto (since 2020 TPS has seized a total of 8, 3D printed gun or gun parts), TPS is increasingly seizing guns that are privately manufactured without serial numbers. These can include 3D printed firearms, converted pellet style guns and other homemade firearms,” Toronto police said in an email.

Calgary police recently laid 66 charges against two men allegedly running a firearms production and trafficking operation.

To date this year, Calgary police have seized 1,229 firearms, including 316 firearms determined to be crime guns, which are firearms unlawfully used, unlawfully possessed.

Nine per cent of the seized guns were homemade 3D printed guns, which police say is a significant increase from past year.

“3D printed firearms are a growing trend that we are working to address through targeted enforcement,” says acting Staff-Sgt. Ben Lawson, of the Calgary Police Service Firearms Investigative Unit.

“3D printed guns function just like any other firearm and have the potential to cause real danger to our community. The Firearms Investigative Unit supports in all crime gun investigations and works with other areas in the Service to gather information and specifically target those responsible for trafficking firearms in Calgary.”

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A 3D printer and 3D printed firearms recently seized by Calgary Police.Photo by Handout /Calgary Police

In November 2020, police became aware of an individual believed to be involved in the trafficking of firearms and allegedly learned he had recently purchased a 3D printer to manufacture firearms.

In May 2022, they executed search warrants at two residences and allegedly seized 3D printers, five complete 3D printed Glock-style handguns with magazines, five 3D printed Glock-style lower receivers, and additional firearm parts, including trigger parts, slides and barrels, and ammunition.

Two individuals have been arrested and now face multiple charges manufacturing, possession of firearms or restricted device.