Police find 3D-printed weapons workshop in Eindhoven home

Police have found what appears to be a workshop for making 3D-printed weapons in a home on the Van Thienenlaan in Eindhoven. Officers found five firearms, six knuckledusters and two 3D printers. Police call it a "remarkable find" (opmerkelijke vondst).

Such finds are relatively rare. Police say they are closely watching the development of weapon printing in the Netherlands and the rest of Europe. A few years ago it was expected to take off among criminals. So far, the printing of weapons, and finds of printed weapons, have probably stayed limited.

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Politie

Police, Eenheid Oost-Brabant (Politie Eenheid Oost-Brabant) · @POL_OostBrabant

“In a house on the Van Thienenlaan in Eindhoven, the police made a remarkable discovery. It appears to be a workshop for making 3D-printed weapons. More info: 👇”

In July 2026 the Wet wapens en munitie, the weapons and ammunition act was amended to make preparatory acts punishable as well. As well as making, possessing and trading weapons, possessing digital designs may now also be an offence.

Firing a home-printed weapon is risky: tests show these guns often jam, melt or burst apart. A printed weapon does not need to work to be dangerous, police say, because victims and officers find it hard to tell it from a real one. Anyone who carries one or makes threats with it risks being mistaken for an armed suspect.

Police ask anyone who suspects someone of making weapons or weapon parts to call 0900-8844, or to give an anonymous tip to Meld Misdaad Anoniem on 0800-7000.