Seven guns, hundreds of parts seized in Kaiapoi 3D-printing operation

Canterbury police say they have dismantled an illicit 3D-printed firearms operation, seizing more than 300 firearms, parts and ammunition.

Police descended on a Kaiapoi address yesterday and found five 3D printers along with digital blueprints for manufacturing firearms and firearm parts.

They found a significant amount of 3D-printed parts, including 50 receivers, 34 magazines, 35 suppressors, 23 slides, 28 cylinders, 12 barrels, 64 springs, five foregrips and 107 miscellaneous parts.

The police also found five fully operational 3D firearms, two cut-down firearms and 33 rounds of ammunition.

Superintendent Tony Hill, Canterbury District Commander, said it was likely they had prevented a significant amount of harm from being inflicted on the community.

“Just because some of the firearms are non-operational now does not mean they would have been in the future,” Hill said.

“These are firearms and ammunition that will never reach their intended destination and our community is safer as a result.”

Hill said the operation, dubbed Operation Cross Country, was a crucial result for Canterbury police and the community.

“Police have put a stop to this syndicate’s operation and we’re not stopping here.

A total of 33 rounds of ammunition were located and a significant amount of 3D-printed parts, as well as the 3D printers and multiple digital blueprints to manufacture the firearms and parts. Photo / New Zealand Police

“We will continue to investigate and will target anyone who seeks to profit from the harm and destruction that this offending causes.”

A 45-year-old man is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court today, facing multiple charges including seven counts of unlawful possession of a pistol and two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition.

A total of 33 rounds of ammunition were found, alongside the 3D printers, including one that was printing when staff arrived. Photo / New Zealand Police

He is also facing charges for manufacturing firearms using illegal parts, possession of a digital blueprint with intent to illegally manufacture an arms item and intentional manufacturing of a firearm with no business licence.

Hill said Operation Cross Country continued, including the assessment of all 3D-printed items by a firearms expert, and further arrests or charges cannot be ruled out.