After a four-month investigation, the WPS Firearms Investigation and Enforcement Unit located and detained a young adult male for manufacturing and selling 3D-printed firearms.
The investigation first began in January 2023, The WPS Firearms Investigation and Enforcement Unit (FIEU) along with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) discovered a male that was using a 3D printer to make firearms and sell them from his residence.
As a result, numerous 3D-printed handguns (ghost guns) were produced and sold to the criminal element.
The FIEU executed a search warrant in the 300 Block of Boyd Avenue in Winnipeg's north end on March 31.
As a result, twenty (20) 3D-printed Glock-style lower receivers in various stages of assembly into functioning firearms, a 3D-printed AR-15 style firearm made to resemble a Nerf-like child’s toy. In addition, the following was seized:
- Approximately 100 auto-sears/switches (convert handguns to fully automatic machine guns). Prohibited devices
- Three 3D-printed magazines
- One 3D-printed drum magazine
- Numerous loose firearms components, including trigger mechanisms, firing pins, slides, rails and springs.
- Type-81 Rifle
- One prohibited rifle magazine for the Type-81 rifle
- Various rounds of compatible ammunition
- Two handgun magazines, one loaded with 9mm ammunition
- Approximately 1 oz of cocaine
- Approximately 1 oz of Psilocybin
- 3D Printer and numerous spools of filament
An 18-year-old Winnipeg male, Jackson Prince, has been charged with:
- Weapons Trafficking X 2
- Possess for the Purpose of Weapons Trafficking
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition
- Store Firearm Contrary to Regulations
- Possess Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Possess Proceeds of Crime Under
- Possess Psilocybin
He was detained in custody.
Anyone with information regarding illicit manufacturing, trafficking, or possessing 3D-printed guns can call FIEU at 204-986-3258 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).