A 31-year-old man from Kamloops has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for illegal firearms manufacturing and breaking a court order related to gun possession.
Adrian Picketts-Yoxall received his sentence on Wednesday, July 30, following a police investigation that began in late 2021.
The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit in British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) launched the case in December 2021. Just a month later, police arrested Picketts-Yoxall and searched his home in Heffley Creek, located in the northern part of Kamloops.
During the search, police found several illegal items, including:
- A tactical-style shotgun
- Ammunition and high-capacity magazines
- A 3D printer used to make firearm parts
- Three 3D-printed gun receivers
- Body armor
These discoveries led to further legal action. On October 10, 2023, prosecutors approved several charges against Picketts-Yoxall. The charges included:
- Two counts of firearms manufacturing
- Possession of a prohibited weapon
- Unsafe storage of a non-restricted firearm
- Possession of a firearm while under a court order
- Unauthorized possession of a non-restricted firearm
At the time the charges were filed, Picketts-Yoxall had gone into hiding. It is unclear when authorities found him, but he later returned to court and pleaded guilty on March 24, 2025.
Officials say the use of 3D printing technology to make firearms is becoming more common and poses serious risks. Such weapons are often untraceable, making them hard for law enforcement to track and control.
Police stressed that these illegal weapons could end up in the hands of criminals and gangs. That makes their removal from the streets a top priority.
A media officer from CFSEU-BC, Cpl. Sarbjit K. Sangha, said that making illegal firearms is a major threat to public safety. She added that this case shows how committed police are to stopping the spread of homemade and untraceable guns.
This case highlights how modern tools like 3D printers are being misused to build weapons in private homes. While the technology has many legal uses, its role in firearm production raises alarm for law enforcement across the country.
The sentence handed down in this case is seen as a warning. Authorities say anyone caught making or holding illegal guns will face serious consequences.
Illegal firearms manufacturing is a growing concern in Canada. Law enforcement teams across provinces are working together to track down those who build or sell such weapons. The goal is to prevent gun violence and keep communities safe.
The illegal firearms found in Kamloops are part of a wider trend. Police in other areas have also discovered similar cases involving 3D-printed weapons and ghost guns.
As of now, Picketts-Yoxall will serve his time in prison. His arrest and sentencing are expected to slow the spread of such activity in the Kamloops area.
Efforts continue across British Columbia to crack down on illegal firearm operations. The police urge citizens to report any suspicious behavior, especially if it involves weapons or 3D printing tools being used in secret.
This case sends a message that law enforcement is watching closely. Illegal firearms manufacturing will not be tolerated, and those responsible will face prison time.
