A 25-year-old woman, and a 30-year-old man, both from Geary, N.B., have been arrested following a seizure of firearms, as well as a number of prohibited weapons and devices.
In June 2023, members of the New Brunswick RCMP Provincial Crime Reduction Unit (PCRU) began an investigation into the manufacturing of 3D printed firearms following information received from the Montreal division of the Integrated Firearms Trafficking Team (IFTT).
On June 20, PCRU members, with assistance from members of the West District RCMP and the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (NWEST), executed a search warrant at a residence on Broad Road in Geary, in connection with the investigation. During the search, police seized eleven firearms, including restricted and prohibited firearms, eight 3D printed hand gun frames, eight prohibited devices (over-capacity magazines), four body armour carriers with plates, and six prohibited weapons. Police also seized prohibited 3D printed firearm devices, one prohibited firearm conversion kit, several thousand rounds of ammunition, and other firearm manufacturing parts.
A 25-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man were arrested at the scene. They were both later released, and are scheduled to appear in Fredericton Provincial Court at a later date.
This investigation, led by the Sûreté du Québec, was part of Project Reproduction, a nationwide operation targeting the manufacturing and trafficking of privately made firearms. Privately made firearms are illegal, untraceable, and pose risks to the general public as well as the user. Project Reproduction aims to shed light on the growing market for 3D printed firearm parts, and demonstrates how Canadian police agencies are working together to combat this emerging trend. Members from the Canadian Border Services Agency, and the New Brunswick RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit also assisted with the investigation.
The public plays an important role in helping to reduce, prevent and solve crime. Anyone with information about, or who suspects, illegal activity in their neighbourhood is asked to contact their local police. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.
The investigation is ongoing.