A Tameside man with a 'fascination' with firearms has been jailed for five years after police found a viable 3D-printed semi-automatic pistol at his home. Officers from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) swooped on the home of Jacob Naylor, of Huddersfield Road in Stalybridge, in November 2023.
Seizure at Stalybridge home
During a search warrant, officers seized two 3D printed firearms, plastic and metal firearm parts, 9mm rounds and a 3D printer, as well as a bag of cannabis. Together with the Metropolitan Police's Forensic Firearms Unit, the force established that the two firearms were an FGC-9 and a 'DIY' AR9 made from plastic and metal pressured parts. The 9mm rounds were not live.
The AR9 was found to be missing some components and was not useable, but the FGC-9 was found to be capable of firing bullets and being used as a firearm. Naylor's DNA was found on both the printer and the firearms, with instructions and codes detailing how to manufacture and assemble the firearms found on the printer's SD card.
Arrest and court proceedings
The 34-year-old was found at his workplace and subsequently arrested. His mobile phone and other metal parts were also seized from his person. Naylor, of Huddersfield Road, Stalybridge, pleaded guilty to the production of two firearms, possession of a Class B drug cannabis, and possession of indecent images. He was jailed for five years at Manchester Crown Court on September 30.
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Wild, from the NWROCU Operations Teams, said Naylor's 'fascination' with 3D printed firearms 'posed a significant threat'.
“If left unchecked, it could have led to the widespread production of illegal firearms reaching our streets,” she said. “We take the manufacture of any firearm extremely seriously and will take robust action against anyone seeking to endanger our communities through the production of dangerous weapons. We would like to thank the Metropolitan Police for their support and collaboration in bringing Naylor to justice.”
