Police found videos of weapons tests made using 3D printers on suspects’ cell phones; operation arrested 16 in RS

Police found videos of tests of weapons manufactured using 3D printers Videos found on the cell phones of those suspected of being part of a scheme for the production and sale of weapons manufactured using 3D printers show tests carried out with the weapons, according to the Civil Police. The group was the target of Operation 3D, launched by the Civil Police this Wednesday (19). In total, 16 people were arrested. The Court issued 20 preventive arrest warrants and 14 search and seizure warrants, carried out in Porto Alegre, Canoas, Triunfo, Eldorado do Sul, São Leopoldo and Montenegro. The names of those investigated were not disclosed. ? Access the g1 RS channel on WhatsApp The main target of the investigation was arrested in Canoas. According to the police, he would be responsible for manufacturing the weapons. According to the investigation, videos found on the cell phones of those being investigated show tests and the operation of weapons manufactured using 3D printers. How the scheme worked Man who manufactured weapons with 3D printers for factions is arrested in RS Civil Police The Civil Police states that the scheme involved different functions. The man appointed as responsible for manufacturing the weapons would produce a large part of the weapons structure and would count on the support of other members to obtain parts and components necessary for assembly. There would also be people in charge of organizing orders and distributing weapons. "He sold to individuals who had relationships with various criminal factions here in the state, including some rivals", explains the director of investigations at the State Department of Prevention and Repression of Drug Trafficking (Denarc), delegate Alencar Carraro. The police still don't know how this man learned to make weapons by hand. According to delegate Wesley Lopes, the main person investigated had the technical knowledge to manufacture weapons components and assemble firearms. He told the authorities that he got the information on the internet, but the possible participation of other people with knowledge in the area is being investigated. "They are large-caliber weapons. Prohibited weapons, and can only be used by police officers. It was a very interesting quality. The weapons worked with good precision, despite being assembled. And they are weapons that have very high values ??in the world of crime", says the police chief. The investigation began in November 2025, after the seizure of a 3D printer and equipment used to manufacture weapons. From this action, investigators reached the suspect identified as the leader of the production. According to the police, the weapons had been produced and sold since July last year. The corporation also claims that the weapons were not registered or controlled by the state, which would make tracking difficult. Man who manufactured weapons with 3D printers is arrested in RS Eduardo Paganella/RBS TV VIDEOS: Everything about RS