In November 2023, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Firearms Investigation and Enforcement Unit (FIEU) began investigating the manufacturing and trafficking of 3D-printed firearms.
A crime network approached several local metal fabricators to create components to manufacture Glock-style 3D handguns. Concerns regarding these custom orders were reported to the Winnipeg Police Service.
FIEU, with the assistance of the RCMP-NWEST, the Canada Border Services Agency, Correctional Service Canada and Manitoba Corrections, identified several individuals involved in this criminal operation.
Investigators determined that a 25-year-old male, Blake ELLISON-CRATE, who was in custody and already sentenced, was providing direction regarding the manufacturing and trafficking of 3D-printed guns to the criminal element.
On March 20, 2024, search warrants were executed at four residences in Winnipeg and several individuals were taken into custody.
- 200 block of Dumoulin Street
- 300 block of Parkview Street
- 100 block of Prevette Street
- 600 block of Setter Street
- A 25-year-old female, Danielle DELEAU (200 block of Dumoulin Street) was charged with:
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
- A 25-year-old male, Kinew DANIELS (300 block of Parkview Street) was charged with:
- Weapons Trafficking
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm x 3
- Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon x 2
He was detained in custody.
- A 26-year-old male, Michael RIVERS (600 block of Setter Street) was charged with:
- Weapons Trafficking x 2
- Unauthorized Poss of a Firearm
- Poss of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence x 3
He was detained in custody.
- On April 19, 2024, FIEU attended Stony Mountain Institution and arrested ELLISON-CRATE on the strength of a warrant for the following offences:
- Weapons Trafficking/Manufacturing
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
- On May 8, 2024, FIEU arrested a 45-year-old female, Twyla ELLISON. She was charged with:
- Weapons Trafficking/Manufacturing
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
- On May 14, 2024, FIEU attended Headingley Correctional Institution and arrested a 23-year-old male, Ashlen PARRIS, on the strength of a warrant for the following offences:
- Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence x 2
- On June 5, 2024, a 46-year-old male was arrested and is facing charges for:
- Conspiracy to Traffick Firearms
He was released on an Undertaking.
As a result of this investigation, the following items were seized:
- 3D-printed Glock-style handgun
- 9mm ammunition
- 3D printer, filament and SD cards storing prohibited computer data
- Tools to manufacture handgun
- Three non-restricted rifles
- Two prohibited knives
- SKS ammunition
- Computers
- Cell phones
Although only one 3D gun was seized, police believe there are between twelve and twenty of these manufactured 3D handguns currently circulating within the criminal element.
3D-printed guns are illegal to manufacture and sell. As with all firearms, they are considered dangerous and potentially lethal.
Anyone with information regarding illicit manufacturing, trafficking or Possession of 3D-printed guns can call FIEU at 204-986-3258 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org