Charges have been laid against a Kamloops-area man who is accused of manufacturing 3D-printed ghost guns inside his home in Heffley Creek.

Adrian Picketts-Yoxall was charged on Tuesday with two counts of firearms manufacturing, as well as once count each of possession of a prohibited weapon, unsafe storage of a non-restricted firearm, possession of a firearm contrary to order, and unauthorized possession of a non-restricted firearm.

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) says the investigation into the 31-year-old began in December 2021.

Picketts-Yoxall was arrested on Jan. 28, 2022 and his house was searched at that time. Police say they seized a tactical-style shotgun, ammunition and magazines, a 3D printer used to make firearms, three firearm receivers printed with the 3D printer, and an unknown amount of body armour.

“Illegal firearms, such as those made in someone’s home, are a major focus for police across Canada,” Sergeant Ben Robinson of the CFSEU-BC’s Illegal Firearms Enforcement Team said, in a statement. “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.”

“The focused work done by CFSEU-BC’s Crime Guns Investigative and Intelligence Group in collaboration with partner agencies is integral when developing strategies to remove illegal firearms, such as privately manufactured firearms, off the streets and out of the hands of individuals who may use them in acts of gun violence.”

Police say a warrant has been issued for the arrest of Picketts-Yoxall, whose whereabouts are not known.

People with information about his whereabouts are encouraged to call their local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.