7 charged in 3D-printed gun investigation in Winnipeg

Winnipeg police say seven people have been charged in connection with a firearms investigation where 3D-printed guns were being made.

WPS says the investigation began in November 2023, after a crime network reportedly approached several metal fabricators across the city, to create parts for a Glock-style 3D handgun.

On March 20, 2024, police executed four search warrants in Winnipeg, where officers allegedly found and seized the following items:

• 3D-printed Glock-style handgun
• 9mm ammunition
• 3D printer, filament and SD cards storing prohibited computer data
• Tools to manufacture handgun
• Three non-restricted rifles
• Two prohibited knives
• SKS ammunition
• Computers
• Cell phones

Police say while one 3D-printed gun was seized, it is believed roughly 12-20 guns were made and are circulating.

The results of the searches led to three people being taken into custody.

• Danielle Deleau, 25, was charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
• Kinew Daniels, 25, was charged with weapons trafficking, three counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, and two counts of possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon.
• Michael Rivers, 26, was charged with two counts of weapons trafficking, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon with ammunition, and three counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

Winnipeg police say on April 19, the FIEU attended the Stony Mountain Institution and charged Blake Ellison-Crate with weapons traffic, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

On May 8, 45-year-old Twyla Ellison was charged with weapons trafficking and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

On May 14, 23-year-old Ashlen Parris was charged in the Headingley Correction Institution with two counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

On June 5, a 46-year-old man who was not named was taken into custody and is facing a charge of conspiracy to traffic firearms.

WPS is asking if anyone has any information regarding illicit manufacturing, traffic or possession of a 3D-printed gun, to contact investigators at 204-986-3258 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477.