Image: Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC / The Combined Forces Special Unit of BC announced in a press release Thursday (May 25) that Tyson Santolla, 33, of Aldergrove has been arrested on one count of manufacturing firearms and five counts of drug possession for the purpose of trafficking. Santolla has been released on court-imposed conditions.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Aldergrove man charged with making guns

Aldergrove man charged with manufacturing firearms involving 3D technology

May 25, 2023 | 2:44 PM

ABBOTSFORD — A 33-year-old man from Aldergrove faces one charge of manufacturing firearms and five counts of drug possession for the purpose of trafficking following a multi-year investigation by law enforcement.

In a statement Thursday (May 25), criminal charges have now been laid against Tyson Saverio Santolla after investigators from the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) conducted an investigation into alleged firearms manufacturing.

In November 2020, authorities received information that led the CFSEU-BC’s Illegal Firearms Enforcement Team (IFET) to begin an investigation into the alleged manufacturing of privately made firearms.

The investigation progressed and on May 28, 2021CFSEU-BC IFET investigators arrested two men and a woman and executed search warrants at the following locations:

• A residence in the 5100 block of 248th Street, Aldergrove
• A residence and a vehicle in the 30900 block of Westridge Place, Abbotsford
• A residence in the 26500 block of 32A Avenue, Aldergrove
• A residence in the 32400 block of Simon Avenue, Abbotsford

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Inside the Westridge Place residence were products and items associated with the manufacturing of controlled substances and a firearm manufacturing lab using 3D printer technology.

Other items seized from the residences included:

• 1.7 kg of methamphetamine
• 300 g of fentanyl
• Two 3D printers
• 3D printed pistol frames
• Glock firearm parts

On May 23, 2023 the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) charged Santolla with firearms and drug-related offences including:

• 1 count – Firearms manufacturing – S. 99(1)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada (CCC)
• 5 counts – Possession for the purpose of trafficking – S. 5(2) of the Controlled Drug and
Substance Act (CDSA)
• 1 count – Possession of a restricted firearm without a licence – S. 92(1) CCC

Santolla has been arrested and released on court-imposed conditions pending the judicial process.

“The collaborative work by CFSEU-BC and partner agencies is key when developing strategies to remove illegal firearms, such as privately manufactured firearms, off the streets and out of the hands of those who would use them in acts of gun violence,” said Inspector Joel Hussey, Operations Officer for CFSEU- BC. “Illegal firearms, regardless of whether they are mass manufactured or made in someone’s home, are a major focus for police across Canada. CFSEU-BC is working closely with its partners across the province to investigate and disrupt the people and groups who may seek to illegally make and sell firearms.”