Most recently, 3D printing has found itself at the center of a legal storm, particularly with regard to the illegal production of weapon parts. In a joint operation between the Department of Homeland Security and the Detroit Police Department’s Organized Crime unit, authorities executed a search warrant at a Detroit residence, leading to the arrest of a teenager involved in 3D-printed gun production.
CBS News reports that the raid uncovered numerous illegal items, including 3D printers, twelve 3D-printed handgun “lowers”—the lower half of a handgun frame—and five rifle lowers. However, the most concerning discovery was a 3D-printed Glock switch, a device capable of converting semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons.
The 14-year-old is now facing serious felony charges related to weapon possession and manufacturing. Given Homeland Security’s involvement in the investigation, federal charges are likely to follow. According to Ryan Connor, commander of the Detroit Organized Crime Unit, the authorities are currently probing whether the teenager intended to sell the illegal gun parts. Connor voiced his concerns about the severity of the situation, stating, “It’s scary for everyone. At that age, do they have the ability to know right from wrong? What are their intentions with these weapons? Do they have the maturity?” These questions underscore the broader societal implications of young individuals accessing such dangerous technology.
Although the production of 3D-printed guns and parts is not inherently illegal in the United States, regulations vary by state. The key legal issue lies in the intent to sell or distribute these parts. The Detroit arrest came after authorities intercepted a package from China containing a Glock switch. Investigators allowed the package to be delivered to the house, which led to the subsequent raid.
The 3D-printed Glock switch is classified under a category of illegal items known as machine gun conversion devices (MCDs). Federal law prohibits the ownership, creation, or sale of these devices. The Justice Department recently reiterated its commitment to cracking down on the spread of MCDs, with Steve Dettelbach, director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, emphasizing the role of the 3D-printing industry in curbing the issue.
“More and more of these devices were being sold over the internet and on social media, and more and more they were actually just being printed by inexpensive 3D printers in homes and garages everywhere,” Dettelbach explained.
Statistics from the Bureau show a staggering 570 percent increase in MCD confiscations by law enforcement between 2017 and 2021.
