Five people have been arrested across Auckland after allegedly making 3D printed firearms and dozens of parts.
The group was arrested after police carried out searches at addresses in Mt Eden, Lynfield, Te Atatū South and Onehunga yesterday as part of Operation Bismark, Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Armstrong said.
Police seized a “significant amount of illegally manufactured firearm parts and firearms”, including two assembled firearms, 23 pistol lower receivers, 12 pistol slides, four rifle uppers, four rifle lowers, and ammunition.
Four 3D printers were also seized – two of which were “still in operation” when officers arrived.
“This is a significant seizure, and I have no doubt it has disrupted a source of lethal weaponry for criminal groups,” Armstrong said.
Four men – aged 35, 40, 41 and 54 – and a 29-year-old woman have appeared in Auckland District Court charged with participating in an organised criminal group and conspiring to manufacture firearms using illegal parts produced by a 3D printer.
They also face multiple methamphetamine and firearm charges.
“Police have put a stop to this syndicate’s operation and our enquiries into their exploits continues,” said Armstrong.
Further arrests have not been ruled out.
