Overview
- Investigators from the Dirección Central de Inteligencia (Dintel) carried out operations in Santo Domingo and Los Alcarrizos between Oct. 24 and Nov. 7 that led to five arrests and the public report of the case on Nov. 10.
- Authorities identified one detainee as Argentine national Matías Antonio Barrera and say he is accused of using a 3D printer and polymer frames to produce and assemble unregistered 'ghost guns'.
- Police seized a large cache that included six rifles, an Uzi submachine gun, 26 magazines, 466 cartridges, a 3D printer, five polymer frames and 33 weapon‑assembly kits.
- Another suspect, Juan Carlos Montilla Feliz, was found with a Colt M4 Carbine, ammunition, magazines, balaclavas and tactical helmets; all five detained will be turned over to the Ministerio Público for prosecution.
- Officials say the case has cross‑border elements because of the Argentine suspect and investigators will likely pursue further international cooperation as they examine how 3D printing lowers barriers to illegal firearms production and distribution.