Two men charged in 3D-printed firearm investigation
Investigators have laid 66 charges against two men believed to be running a firearms production and trafficking operation in Calgary.
To date in 2022, officers from across the Service have seized 1229 firearms, including 316 firearms determined to be crime guns. Crime guns include all firearms that were unlawfully used, unlawfully possessed, and unlawfully stored, including found or abandoned firearms. Of the crime guns seized this year, 9 per cent are homemade/3D printed, which is a significant increase from previous years.
“3D printed firearms are a growing trend that we are working to address through targeted enforcement,” says Acting Staff Sergeant Ben Lawson of the Calgary Police Service Firearms Investigative Unit. “3D printed guns function just like any other firearm and have the potential to cause real danger to our community. The Firearms Investigative Unit supports in all crime gun investigations and works with other areas in the Service to gather information and specifically target those responsible for trafficking firearms in Calgary.”
In November 2020, investigators from our Firearms Investigative Unit became aware of an individual believed to be involved in the trafficking of firearms within Calgary. Upon further investigation, officers learned the suspect had recently purchased a 3D printer and believed the suspect was using the printer to manufacture firearms.
Investigators worked to collect additional evidence, and in May 2022, search warrants were conducted at residences located in the 2600 block of Dover Ridge Drive S.E., as well as the 4300 block of Seton Drive S.E. The following items were seized as a result:
- Three “Ender” 3D printers
- Five complete 3D printed Glock-style handguns with magazines
- Five 3D printed Glock-style lower receivers
- Additional firearm parts, including trigger parts, slides and barrels
- Ammunition
- Used shell casings
- Approximately 100 grams of suspected crack cocaine
- Filament for 3D printing and other firearm assembly tools
- Multiple computers and cell phones
After further forensic examination by the CPS Forensic Firearms and Toolmark Lab, investigators were able to link this firearms manufacturing operation to a separate 3D printed firearm that was seized by CPS officers in May 2022 as part of an unrelated investigation.
As of Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, two individuals have been arrested and are now facing charges.
Brandon VINCENT-WAGNER, 24, of Calgary, has been charged with ten counts each of firearms manufacturing, possession of firearms or restricted device in an unauthorized place and possession of a firearms in contravention of prohibition order, seven counts of firearms trafficking and one count of money laundering – proceeds of crime. VINCENT-WAGNER will next appear in court on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022.
Justin KUMAR, 27, of Calgary, has been charged with seven counts each of trafficking firearms, possession of firearms or restricted device in an unauthorized place, possession of firearms while unauthorized, and careless storage, handling and transportation of firearm. KUMAR will next appear in court on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022.
Addressing gun violence continues to be a priority for our Service. Through investigation, prevention, and enforcement activities we have coordinated our resources to reduce victimization and enhance community safety.
Our efforts to address gun violence rely on strong community support. If you have information that could help an investigation, such as witnessing suspicious behaviour or vehicles, please contact police. Even something small can have a great impact on an investigation.
Anyone with information about gun violence or firearm trafficking is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips
Case #20488270/3975