Bristol Man Attempted to Acquire 40 Handguns and Print 3D Machine Gun
A man from Bristol attempted to purchase 40 handguns and a thousand rounds of ammunition before trying to manufacture a 3D printed machine gun, according to evidence presented in court. Luke Fortune, a 22-year-old resident of Longwell Green, Bristol, was initially arrested in July 2024 on suspicion of acquiring 35 top-venting blank firearms (TVBFs) and three antique guns.
Illegal Imitation Firearms and Conversion Risks
TVBFs are imitation firearms designed to fire blanks, producing smoke and sound from the top of the weapon for dramatic effect. These devices have been prohibited in the United Kingdom since 1982 due to their potential for easy conversion into functional, lethal weapons. The National Crime Agency (NCA) revealed that Fortune also attempted to print his own sub-machine gun, a lighter variant of an automatic firearm, using 3D printing technology.
Second Arrest and Discovery of Weapons
Fortune was arrested a second time in January by officers from the NCA, a serious and organised crime law enforcement body. This subsequent arrest followed the discovery of a Glock-style pistol and a revolver hidden in a bush within the Longwell Green area. The recovery of these firearms directly led to further legal action against the defendant.
Multiple Firearms Charges Filed
The defendant has been charged with a series of serious offences related to firearms possession and manufacturing. The charges include:
- Two counts of possession of firearms
- Two counts of possession of ammunition
- One count of converting firearms
- Additional accusations of making or manufacturing a firearm
- Selling or transferring firearms
- Conspiracy to import firearms
Fortune appeared before Bristol Magistrates' Court on Saturday to face these allegations.
Law Enforcement Response and Community Safety Concerns
NCA senior investigating officer Andy Lawton emphasised the grave threat posed by such weapons. 'These weapons could have caused untold damage to our communities with potentially fatal consequences,' Lawton stated. He further highlighted the agency's ongoing efforts: 'Working closely with our partners in the UK and overseas, we are relentless in our efforts to suppress the availability of firearms and ammunition to criminals.'
The case underscores the persistent challenges law enforcement faces in combating illegal firearms trafficking and the emerging threat of 3D printed weapons. Authorities continue to monitor and intercept attempts to circumvent UK firearms legislation through both traditional and technological means.
