This Teen’s Wild 3D Printing Stunt Ended in Handcuffs

A Detroit teenager was arrested after authorities raided his home, discovering a 3D-printed gun operation. This is part of a growing effort by federal authorities to crack down on illegal weapons being made using consumer-grade technology, according to CBS News.

The raid, a collaboration between the Detroit Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit and the Department of Homeland Security, took place on Wednesday. Police uncovered multiple pieces of illegal equipment, signaling a deeper issue with homemade firearms.

Among the confiscated items were several 3D printers, twelve 3D-printed handgun “lowers” — the crucial lower part of a gun frame — and five lowers for rifles. However, the most concerning discovery was a 3D-printed Glock “switch.” This small device can convert a semi-automatic Glock pistol into a fully automatic weapon, a dangerous modification that is highly illegal.

The suspect is a 14-year-old boy, now facing serious felony weapons charges. Given the involvement of Homeland Security in the case, the teen may also face federal charges, reports CBS News.

In general, 3D-printing gun parts isn’t illegal in the U.S., though state laws can differ, and certain parts are heavily restricted. However, producing and selling these parts, especially for illegal modifications, is a federal offense.

Authorities became involved after intercepting a package from China containing the illegal Glock switch. They allowed the package to be delivered to the teen’s home, setting up the sting operation.

It’s unclear how law enforcement determined the boy’s intent to sell the parts, but police are investigating whether any of the items had already been sold. “It’s scary for everyone. At that age, do they have the ability to know right from wrong?” said Ryan Connor, commander of the Detroit Organized Crime Unit, as quoted by CBS. “What are their intentions with these weapons? Do they have the maturity? There’s a lot that goes through our minds about those crimes.”

The Glock switch is classified under machine gun conversion devices (MCDs), which are completely illegal to own or manufacture in the U.S. These devices are part of a larger national issue, as their production has surged in recent years, thanks to advancements in affordable 3D printing technology.

Just days before the raid, the Justice Department reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the rise of MCDs during a federal law enforcement gathering in Washington. They specifically urged the 3D-printing industry to take a more active role in combating the creation of these devices. “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,” Steve Dettelbach, director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, told the Associated Press.

According to ATF data, there was a staggering 570 percent rise in the number of confiscated MCDs between 2017 and 2021, highlighting the growing threat posed by these illegal modifications.

As 3D printing becomes cheaper and more accessible, the challenge for law enforcement grows. These DIY weapons are easy to produce, and as this case shows, even teenagers are becoming involved in this underground market. The combination of affordability and anonymity in this black market creates a significant challenge for authorities looking to stem the tide of illegal firearms.