First cases of 3D-printed guns in Scotland, according to new figures

3D-printed guns have been recorded by Police Scotland for the first time, according to new figures.

Two incidents were logged last year, with the force working with key partners to prevent the risk posed by the manufacture, distribution and possession of the crafted firearms.

Figures obtained by justice and social affairs magazine 1919 revealed that an incident occurred in the Argyll and West Dunbartonshire division in April, followed by another in Tayside a month later.

In both cases, the productions were sent to police laboratories for forensic analysis.

Forensic services flagged the incidents in a report to the Scottish Police Authority in October, stating that the "complex and novel cases" required "additional capacity to complete".

1919 Magazine said experts have warned that the guns are cheap and easy to produce, although unlikely to cause the public an increased risk.

They are illegal under updated UK-wide legislation.

Across the UK, 17 such weapons were seized in 2022, up from three the year before.

Firearms expert witness David Dyson told 1919 Magazine: "People who want 3D-printed guns fall into two general categories - serious criminals who would look to get their hands on firearms anyway, and people who simply have a curiosity about guns but mean no harm.

"Criminals, especially those involved in drugs, have something to protect, and may be interested.

"They can be made quite quickly and easily from a 3D printer, and then you need some metal components - it requires a bit of skill but a fairly practical person would be able to do it.

"But it's not the Wild West - police are able to bring charges against people, and even just having the information may be enough in terms of terrorism-related charges."

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3D printing gained popularity at the turn of the century, and by the mid-2010s was being used commonly across a variety of legitimate industries.

However, the global criminal community also spotted an opportunity to use the technology to their advantage, and 3D firearms began trading across the world.

That has enabled illicit websites to upload simple instructions for "do it yourself" homemade firearms, with US Homeland Security going as far as saying the developments "present public safety risks".

In the UK, 3D-printed guns were considered to have de facto illegal status by virtue of being a firearm.

However, the UK government updated legislation in November 2022 to specifically include them as part of the 1968 Firearms Act.

That means it is an offence to possess, buy or produce component parts for a 3D-printed gun.

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Police Scotland said it was keeping on top of the issue and shared information regularly with bodies such as the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS).

Detective inspector Derek Whiteford said: "Emerging trends are constantly monitored, and we work with key partners, including NCA, NABIS, UK police forces, and prosecutors, to keep informed of any new or existing illegal firearm design and production.

"We regularly exchange information and intelligence to help prevent the risk posed by the manufacture, distribution and possession of 3D-printed firearms."