MANCHESTER, England, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- Police in Manchester, England, seized a 3D printer they said was being used by criminals to produce guns.
The seizure was made during a raid as part of an operation targeting organized crime gangs in Manchester, Sky News reported.
Police also found a trigger and a magazine they said could be capable of holding bullets, both of which were likely made with the printer.
"Component parts for what could be the U.K.'s first ever 3D gun have been seized by Greater Manchester Police," the police department said in a statement. "During the searches, officers found a 3D printer and what is suspected might be a plastic clip and a 3D trigger which could be fitted together to make a viable 3D gun.
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"If what we have seized is proven to be viable components capable of constructing a genuine firearm, then it demonstrates that organized crime groups are acquiring technology that can be bought on the high street to produce the next generation of weapons," Detective Inspector Chris Mossop of Greater Manchester Police said.
Sir Peter Fahy, the chief constable of Greater Manchester, told Sky News using 3D printers to make guns is "a new phenomenon."
"We will really need to look at this new development. Certainly we feel that we are having success -- and the important thing is not to be defeatist about this. It is not to think that we'll never win, that these people are cleverer than us," Fahy said. "They are not, they are just more violent than us."
In the past week, more than 50 alleged members of criminal gangs have been arrested in Manchester as part of the anti-gang operation, officials said. Police have also seized more than $530,000 worth of drugs, $40,415 in cash, weapons, counterfeit goods and seven high powered cars.
