Toronto cops seize 'ghost guns' in 3-D-printed firearms probe
Toronto Police have seized 10 3-D printed handguns and 16 3-D printed frames in the last six months
Author of the article:Jane Stevenson
Published Apr 29, 2026 • Last updated 1 day ago • 3 minute read
Guns seized in Project Cluster.
Guns seized in Project Cluster. Brian Narciso, 28, of Toronto, is charged. TORONTO POLICE PHOTO
A Toronto man faces 20 firearm-related charges — including the new offence of possession of data for purpose of manufacturing a firearm — after police seized 3-D-printed handguns also known as “ghost guns.”
On Wednesday, Toronto Police also announced they had recovered components capable of assembling 24 prohibited firearms, digital evidence, a 3-D printer, mobile devices, and possession of proceeds obtained by crime as part of Project Cluster.
Cops began the probe in November 2025 after being alerted by the RCMP to several suspicious online advertisements posted on a firearms website.
“Investigators determined that the parts and components being offered for sale were consistent with those used to assemble functional firearms,” Insp. Steve Matthews, of the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, said.
“During the investigation, it is alleged the accused sold a 3D-printed handgun receiver — the core component that legally defines a firearm under the Criminal Code of Canada — along with additional parts needed to complete it.”
Guns seized in Project Cluster.
Guns seized in Project Cluster. Brian Narciso, 28, of Toronto, is charged. TORONTO POLICE PHOTO
On Dec. 9, Brian Narciso, 28, was arrested and charged, and search warrants were served on his residence and associated vehicle.
Discharges were to see if firearms were working
Matthews said the investigation revealed an alleged connection to six firearm discharges last year between June 28 and Oct. 29 in the Lawrence Ave. W.and Caledonia Rd. area.
“It is alleged that the accused attended a secluded area and discharged firearms on multiple occasions,” Matthews told media. “More than 100 cartridge cases and unspent rounds were recovered, and in one instance a projectile entered a nearby residence. ”
Matthews said forensic analysis led to a link between the incidents and the same firearm, adding the community affected is experiencing “a sense of relief” now that charges have been laid.
“Two of the 3-D printed handguns seized during this investigation were forensically linked to three of those discharges in October,” he alleged.
The theory is that the firearms were being discharged to see if they worked.
Matthews said it’s estimated it takes six hours to 3-D print a firearm receiver.
Ghost guns on rise in Toronto
He said ghost guns are an evolving problem and Toronto Police have seized ten 3-D printed handguns and 16 3-D printed frames in the last six months.
“One of the challenges is that you can’t trace these through traditional means like you would through firearms bought in a store or smuggled across the border,” said Matthews.
“This has been a relatively new issue that we’ve started to see. It’s an emerging trend. Other parts of the country have seen this. This is new here. And it’s something we’re trying to get ahead of in terms of the new crime trends to keep guns off the street.”
Guns seized in Project Cluster.
Guns seized in Project Cluster. Brian Narciso, 28, of Toronto, is charged. TORONTO POLICE PHOTO
Matthews said the ghost guns are made up of 3-D printed frames and other components that are bought “and when combined you get a fully functioning firearm. (We’re) looking to figure out where the other pieces of the firearms were sourced from.”
Matthews alleged Narcisco is working alone “but we’re still looking at evidence to see if there’s anything else that links him to being part of a larger group.”
Guns seized in Project Cluster.
Guns seized in Project Cluster. Brian Narciso, 28, of Toronto, is charged. TORONTO POLICE PHOTO
Possession of computer data for manufacturing or trafficking firearms is a criminal offence in Canada. Bill C-21 bans holding digital blueprints used with 3D printers or CNC machines to create untraceable “ghost guns.”
Violations can result in severe penalties, including up to 14 years in prison.
“That’s significant. It reflects how policing and the law are adapting to an evolving threat,” Chief Supt. Joe Matthews, of Toronto Police Detective Operations, told the media on Wednesday. “It reflects how policing and the law are adapting to an evolving threat.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2510 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
jstevenson@postmedia.com
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Toronto cops seize 'ghost guns' in 3-D-printed firearms probe
A Toronto man, 28, faces 20 firearm-related charges after police seized 3-D printed handguns. Find out more on Project Cluster.
