3D printed ‘ghost guns’ seized during police raid

A 35-year-old forklift operator from Kings Avenue in Todd’s Road, Chaguanas, Trinidad has been charged in connection with the 3D printing of ‘ghost guns’.

He was arrested on the morning of August 30 during a police operation led by Snr Sup Richard Smith and ASP Phillip.

Officers found and seized two firearms together with five magazines, other firearm components, 13 rounds of ammunition and spent shells, a computer and 3D printer.

The two occupants of the home at the time, including the accused and his 60-year-old mother were taken to the Marabella Police Station.

The forklift operator was charged with the offences of possession of Firearms for Trafficking and Possession of Ammunition.

While his mother has not been charged, police said that investigations were still ongoing into what role, if any, the 60-year-old could have played in the operation.

The forklift operator, who was allegedly acting as an armourer for local gangs, was arrested during a raid at the house on August 30. A quantity of firearms, ammunition, projectiles, a 3D printer and a computer system were seized during the police operation.

The ghost guns can be manufactured without serial numbers or other identifying marks, making them difficult to trace and regulate.

Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher said should such manufacturing operations become established locally, this could lead to an increase in untraceable and illegal firearms being circulated.