WINNIPEG — Police in Winnipeg have charged a man after officers seized more than two dozen weapons that included 3D-generated versions of parts that can't be purchased.
The firearms investigation unit of the Winnipeg Police Service was notified last month that a man had tried to buy a prohibited part for an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle from a reseller.
That led to a search of a home a few days later during which officers found 28 guns: 10 were registered restricted handguns, one was a registered prohibited firearm and 17 were various long guns.
Police say another search at the same home a few days later led to officers seizing computers, a 3D printer, hard drives, memory sticks, and various castoff 3D-printed gun parts.
Police learned one such part was fitted to an actual Glock 19 handgun to create what is known as a "ghost gun."
Such weapons have no serial number or other identifying markings.
"Ghost guns are the latest trend in firearms manufacturing," Insp. Max Waddell said Tuesday.
"I can only think of one reason why anyone would manufacture a firearm that cannot be registered or detected, and that is to circumvent the laws that are in place to protect us all."
Waddell said ghost guns can be made rather easily.
"Unfortunately, by going on the internet, there are step-by-step instructions for anybody to follow."
Weapons made by 3D printing consist of plastic and can be hard to find, said Waddell, who noted they wouldn't be recognized going through a metal detector at an airport.
Corey James Boyd, 31, is accused of weapons trafficking and other weapons-related charges. (CTV Winnipeg)
This report by the Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2020
The Canadian Press
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