3D-printed firearms seized up river - RCMP
Police report 42-year-old man arrested in Aroostook last week, remanded for court date
Mounties seized 3D-printed firearms, ammunition, a 3D printer and other items after receiving a tip last week someone was manufacturing and selling firearms out of their home, the RCMP reports.
The Western Valley Region detachment of the RCMP issued a news release Tuesday afternoon stating officers had arrested a 42-year-old Aroostook man at his home Thursday.
“On Aug. 15, 2024, the Western Valley Region RCMP detachment received a report of an individual who was manufacturing and selling 3D-printed firearms at their residence on Route 130 in Aroostook,” it said.
“The same day, a search warrant was obtained and executed at the residence on Route 130 by Perth-Andover RCMP members with the assistance of the RCMP police dog services. During the search, a number of items were recovered, including a 3D-printed firearm, ammunition, numerous firearm parts and a 3D printer.”
Aroostook is about 80 kilometres north of Woodstock, or 160 km northwest of Fredericton.
After the initial search, the release said, officers secured a second search warrant for the same residence.
“A number of additional items were seized, including firearms, manufactured firearm parts, ammunition manufacturing components, prohibited magazines [for ammo storage/delivery] and electronic devices,” the RCMP said.
“Police believe some of these items may be related to other ongoing investigations in the Western Valley region.”
After those searches, the release said, officers located and arrested the 42-year-old suspect, who’s been remanded pending a future appearance date in Woodstock provincial court.
It wasn’t clear if he was remanded on charges stemming from Thursday’s events or on other unrelated counts.
The investigation is ongoing, the RCMP news release stated, and the force’s digital forensics services unit and the Canada Border Services Agency are also assisting.
The RCMP emphasized that while technology has advanced to the point where people can manufacture their own gun parts at home, it’s illegal to do so.
"It is illegal to be in possession of, to manufacture or to traffic firearms and firearm accessories produced with a 3D printer,” RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Dan Sharpe said in the release.
“An appropriate business licence issued by a chief firearms officer is required in order to manufacture or possess any firearm.”
He urged members of the public to report any such firearms-related activity to police.
They can do so by contacting their local policing agency. Those wishing to provide such tips anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the secure P3 Mobile App or by submitting them online through the Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.
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