Police are sending a strong message to criminal groups, shutting down an Auckland syndicate attempting to illegally manufacture 3D printed firearms.
Five search warrants were executed across central and west Auckland yesterday, resulting in five arrests and a significant haul of firearms parts.
Police even came across two 3D printers in operation at one address.
On Monday, Auckland City’s Gang Disruption Unit executed search warrants in Mt Eden, Lynfield, Te Atatū South and Onehunga.
“We have recovered a significant amount of illegally manufactured firearm parts and firearms under Operation Bismark,” Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Armstrong, of Auckland City CIB says.
“Police have put a stop to this syndicate’s operation and our enquiries into their exploits continues.”
Four 3D printers have been recovered in the terminations.
“Two of these printers were still in operation when our staff entered the addresses yesterday,” Detective Senior Sergeant Armstrong says.
Amongst other items seized include dozens of firearms parts and two assembled firearms.
Those include: 23 pistol lower receivers, 12 pistol slides, four rifle uppers and four rifle lowers.
Detective Senior Sergeant Armstrong says there were also dozens of failed prints of parts found at these addresses.
Ammunition was also seized.
“This is a significant seizure and I have no doubt it has disrupted a source of lethal weaponry for criminal groups.
“It is likely we have prevented a significant amount of harm from being inflicted on the community as a result.”
Police continue to target the source of firearms getting into the hands of criminal groups.
“This is work being carried out on multiple fronts, which includes our Firearms Investigation Teams and the work of the Firearms Safety Authority.
“The prevalence of 3D printed firearms is still relatively low, but Police are continuing to stay ahead of the issue.”
Four men, aged 35, 40, 41 and 54, and a 29-year-old woman have appeared in the Auckland District Court.
Each have been jointly charged with participating in an organised criminal group and conspiring to manufacture firearms using illegal parts produced by a 3D printer.
Other charges include a raft of methamphetamine and firearms offences.
Operation Bismark continues, and further arrests or charges cannot be ruled out, Detective Senior Sergeant Armstrong says.
Since guns are outlawed, only the outlaws now have the guns..
There will always be a way to manufacture and / or procure firearms…
Thanks for nuthin’ Jabby!
Just noticed there is what looks like a pink Glock. Was that made for a gang poofter?
If the government had not changed the working class to the working poor, people would not have to explore other ways of making money… When people make a above average wage they work… When they cannot get afford housing and food after a 40 hour week I would do the same…
Oddly enough, I know a person who made a ‘Bang Stick’ out of a rigid dildo…and it fired .22 shorts.
Afterwards, when a .22 magnum was loaded, the head blew-off…
I know that it was NOT 3D printed…
So, perhaps the government will outlaw dildos as lethal weapons???
Boy, won’t that leave the closeted members of government at all levels in an uproar..!