POLICE – Gun-manufacturing equipment displayed in show and tell

Drill presses, metal lathes, 3D printers, and airsoft guns were some of the items shown to media today (Thursday, May 1, 2025) to help provide further insight into a recent Kamloops investigation.

Kamloops RCMP Supt. Jeff Pelley invited members of the local media to the Battle Street detachment to view and discuss equipment seized during an April 22 search warrant execution in Chase.

“Explosives, guns, body armour, and equipment for illegally manufacturing firearms were seized during the investigation led by the Kamloops RCMP detachment’s Targeted Enforcement Unit (TEU),” said Pelley, standing behind two tables of labeled items.

“It’s important to note that our investigators are still processing exhibits and this is a sample of what was seized during this one particular investigation.”

The guns being manufactured and trafficked were untraceable firearms, some 3D printed, others with serial numbers removed, and some using lower receivers from pellet guns.

About a year ago, the detachment released a Public Interest Disclosure that saw two individuals named who had a “deliberate nexus” to the organized drug trade and to the violent conflict experienced locally.

While Pelley did not say the firearms manufacturing/trafficking investigation was related to those specific occurrences or individuals, he stated the investigation has a direct connection to Kamloops.

“We have seen in our community the acquirement of firearms being used in public offences. Firearms entering communities is a concern. Targeting those who manufacture, distribute, and use them, including those involved in drug trafficking, remains a detachment priority and we look forward to more results in the future,” said Pelley.

He said the detachment continues to make progress with enforcement strategies that help improve the safety of neighbourhoods.

During the media availability, Supt. Pelley was asked about recent investigations in rural Kamloops, including a Paul Lake homicide and discovered remains, and if there is a connection. He said  those incidents are separate and active investigations being conducted by the Southeast District Major Crimes Unit.

“Nothing obvious has been revealed suggesting a relation to our investigation at this point, but we are constantly assessing any nexus and continue to support efforts with a collaborative approach,” said Pelley.

“Recent occurrences of violence have also been targeted, as opposed to the public shootings we witnessed prior to issuing the PID last year.”

The TEU investigation into the manufacturing and distribution of firearms is ongoing with charge recommendations anticipated.