Police seize hundreds of 3D-printed gun parts and weapons in Canterbury raid

In a coordinated operation dubbed Operation Cross Country, Canterbury police raided a residence in Kaiapoi and uncovered a sophisticated illegal 3D-printing network. The search revealed five 3D printers, digital schematics for weapons, and a massive inventory of more than 300 firearm components such as 50 receivers, 34 magazines, 35 suppressors and numerous other parts. Authorities also seized five fully functional 3D-printed firearms, two modified guns and 33 rounds of ammunition, one of the printers still operating when officers arrived.

Superintendent Tony Hill emphasized that the disruption likely averted serious danger to the public. A 45-year-old male suspect is due in Christchurch District Court, facing seven counts of unlawful pistol possession, two counts of unlawful ammunition possession and several manufacturing offenses. The police will have firearms experts evaluate the seized items and have not ruled out additional arrests or charges.