National raid in Calgary recovers multiple weapons

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) has seized multiple firearms, ammunition, 3D printers, and drugs as part of a national project targeting weapons trafficking across the country.

According to the CPS, Project Reproduction, EILTA Montreal (Équipe Intégrée de Lutte au Trafic d’Armes) — an integrated weapons trafficking team based in Quebec–  several people in the Calgary area were identified and were believed to be linked to the making of 3D-printed firearms.

The CPS Firearms Investigative Team began investigating after receiving this information, it said.

Calgary police seized multiple firearms, ammunition, 3D printers and drugs as part of a national project targeting weapons trafficking. (Courtesy Calgary Police)

Last Tuesday, in coordination with more than 20 police agencies across the country, CPS conducted several search warrants, including in the communities of Falconridge, Westgate, and Coventry Hills in Calgary and west of the city in Langdon.

As a result of the warrants, three 3D printers, seven 3D-printed receivers, one fully complete 3D-printed firearm, five rifles, three airsoft riles, multiple rounds and types of ammunition, and 1.3 kilograms of powder and crack cocaine were seized, police say.

Read more: ALERT seizes ‘numerous’ weapons as part of Tuesday’s Canada-wide 3D-printed gun raid 

“Since last year, 3D-printed firearms have become more prevalent in Calgary. Through targeted enforcement, we are constantly working to identify individuals involved in illegal firearms manufacturing and hold them accountable,” said Assistant Staff Sgt. Ben Lawson of the Firearms Investigative Unit in a press release.

“This investigation demonstrates the cross-jurisdictional nature of this type of crime and the success that a coordinated and concerted effort can have on public safety.”

A total of 440 firearms were seized as part of this project.

Calgary police seized multiple firearms, ammunition, 3D printers and drugs as part of a national project targeting weapons trafficking. (Courtesy Calgary Police)

The CPS says the investigation into crimes in Calgary is ongoing and charges are pending. More information will be made available once charges are laid.

Authorities say they continue to be committed to addressing gun violence in the city.

Anyone with information relating to instances of gun violence is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers.