Drug trafficking investigation leads to arrest for privately manufactured firearms operation

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Fort St. John RCMP’s Street Enforcement Team (SET) arrested a man after executing a search warrant related to a drug trafficking investigation.

SET members uncovered an operation in which 3-D-printed firearms were being manufactured and assembled after executing a search warrant at 105th Avenue on Thursday, June 18th, according to a press release.

The statement says the detachment has seen a rise in seizures of privately manufactured firearms since the fall of 2025, and that it is “well aware of the threat” these objects pose to the community’s safety.

Commander of the Fort St. John RCMP’s plainclothes unit, Sergeant Ian Rissanen, said the SET has been investigating the matter and thus, were able to locate the source of the guns as part of the broader search into illicit drugs and organized crime.

“The Fort St. John RCMP SET, with assistance from serious crime and frontline officers, were able to safely execute this Search Warrant that effectively dismantled a home firearm manufacturing operation,” said Rissanen in the release.

“Since the rise of privately manufactured firearms last year was noted by the RCMP, the SET has been investigating the matter. It’s hard to quantify the impact this warrant’s execution will have on public safety within our community, but it’s safe to say the impact will be profound.”

A 37-year-old man was arrested and subsequently released without process while the RCMP continues to investigate and prepare the case for the BC Prosecution Service to review, suggesting the suspect could face multiple charges.