A British Columbia court recently handed down a verdict in a case involving illegal gun manufacturing and drug trafficking, sentencing a man to eight years in prison for using 3D printing technology to manufacture firearms and possessing drugs for sale. The Integrated Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) confirmed that the defendant is Tyson Saverio Santolla. He had previously pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to traffic, and illegal manufacture of firearms. The court formally sentenced him on Friday.
Police stated that the case dates to early 2021. At that time, the CFSEU-BC’s illegal firearms enforcement team discovered during its investigation that the individuals involved might also be involved in drug trafficking and illegal weapons manufacturing.
In May of the same year, police conducted a joint operation in Abbotsford and Aldergrove, executing search warrants at multiple locations and arresting three people, including Santora. During the operation, law enforcement officers seized a large quantity of drugs, as well as equipment related to the production of controlled substances.
Police also discovered a facility at a location where firearms were manufactured using 3D printing technology; the equipment and materials were subsequently seized. Santora was formally charged in 2023. Police have not released information on whether other arrested individuals have been charged. In a statement following the sentencing, CFSEU-BC noted that illegal firearms and drug trafficking are intertwined, posing a significant risk to community safety.
Law enforcement emphasized that it would continue to investigate similar crimes and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.