3D-printed gun, parts seized in raid on Calgary homes

Authorities say one 3D-printed gun and several of 3D-printed firearm parts were seized from four Calgary area homes last week as part of an operation to bust illegal gun manufacturers. 

The Calgary Police Service said the raids were executed last Tuesday at three homes in Calgary and one residence in nearby Langdon. 

Officers found the one fully-assembled 3D-printed gun and seven 3D-printed receivers, the part of the firearm that houses internal action mechanisms onto which the barrel and stock are attached. 

Officers also seized five rifles, three airsoft rifles, multiple rounds and types of ammunition, three 3D-printers and filament, and 1.3 kilograms of cocaine from the homes. 

So far, no charges have been laid in connection to the raids, although the investigation remains ongoing. 

Over the last year, 3D-printed guns have become more prevalent in Calgary, Staff Sgt. Ben Lawson said. 

These 3D-printed guns are often referred to as "ghost guns," as they are privately assembled without serial numbers — and thereby untraceable.

The seizures in Calgary last week came as a result of an operation by a weapons trafficking team in Quebec, EILTA Montreal (Équipe Intégrée de Lutte au Trafic d'Armes). 

The group identified several people in the Calgary area who are believed to be linked to 3D-printed gun manufacturing, police said. Calgary officials used this information to start their own investigation. 

The weapons trafficking team in Quebec was created in 2021, and its investigations have led to the seizure of more than 400 firearms across the country.

"This investigation demonstrates the cross-jurisdictional nature of this type of crime and the success that a coordinated and concerted effort can have on public safety," Lawson said.