FBI Director Kash Patel during his visit to New Zealand in July. Photo: supplied
Police and intelligence chiefs were gifted 3D-printed guns from the director of the FBI.
The guns were later destroyed because they could have been made operable.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said he received a 'challenge coin' display stand, featuring an inoperable plastic replica pistol, from Kash Patel during his visit in July.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers. Photo: Mark Papalii / RNZ
In a statement, Chambers said he sought the advice of the Firearms Safety Authority - which determined modifications could have made the guns operable.
He then instructed it to destroy the guns to ensure compliance with firearms laws.
New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Director-General Andrew Hampton and Government Communications Security Bureau Director-General Andrew Clark were also gifted the inoperable 3D-printed replica pistols.
A spokesperson said the gifts were handed to the police the following day and were also destroyed.
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