The Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) arrested 13 people in several Quebec cities for the trafficking and fabrication of firearms this week.
Arrests were made on June 12 and 13 in Montreal, Berthierville, New Carlisle, Repentigny, Gatineau, Quebec City and Saint-Calixte, Que.
Suspects could face a number of firearm and arms-trafficking offences.
In a statement, the RCMP, which leads INSET, said officers seized a “significant quantity” of 3D printers and one homemade firearm.
One man from the Laurentians faces five charges including wilful promotion of hatred. He is alleged to have possessed and shared computer data that could be used to manufacture firearms with a 3D printer.
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The RCMP says he remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Quebec provincial police spokesperson Nicholas Scholtus says this is the first time police in Quebec have arrested suspects in the pan-Canadian operation to crack down on weapons manufactured with 3D printers.
Scholtus says police forces across Canada have seized 440 illegal, homemade guns since the operation began a year ago.
INSET is made up of members of Quebec provincial police, Montreal police, the RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency.