Image of items seized (ALERT)

By Justin Goulet

3D printed firearms

Southern Alberta man charged with alleged 3D-printing of firearm parts

Sep 3, 2020 | 9:39 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A Picture Butte man has been charged and is suspected of 3D-printing firearm parts.

A joint investigation between ALERT Lethbridge’s organized crime team and the RCMP’s National Weapons Enforcement Support Team led to the arrest of 53-year-old Dan Forsyth on August 18.

ALERT alleges that Forsyth was involved in firearm manufacturing, mainly through the use of 3D printers. ALERT noted that a search of his home found multiple 3D printers, as well as manufactured firearm parts, including:

• Pistol lower frames
• An assault rifle receiver and frame
• A bump stock for converting a semi-automatic firearm to fully automatic, and silencers

“The strength of collaboration during investigations of illegal movement and criminal use of firearms has once again resulted in a successful outcome, thanks to the efforts of ALERT and the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program’s NWEST,” said Supt. Sue Black, RCMP Canadian Firearms Program, in a release.

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(ALERT)

The seized items were forwarded to the RCMP Forensic Science and Identification Services lab. Their preliminary testing confirmed that the 3D printed parts were functional.

Forsyth is charged with the following:

• Offering to traffic firearms
• Manufacturing a restricted firearm
• Manufacturing a non-restricted firearm
• Manufacturing a prohibited device
• Possession of a prohibited device for the purpose of trafficking
• Unauthorized possession of a non-restricted firearm
• Unauthorized possession of a restricted firearm
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited device
• Possession of a weapon contrary to prohibition order
  (ALERT)

The ALERT investigation started in April 2019, and officials were assisted by the Lethbridge Police Service and Picture Butte RCMP.

ALERT believes this is the first time in Alberta that charges have been laid in relation to the 3D printing of firearms.

Forsyth is scheduled to appear in court on October 7.

(ALERT)