A 3D-printed firearm was found in a body of water near Montreal by two magnet fishing enthusiasts, Frédérick Hardy and Julie Tessier, who spend their days searching for forgotten treasure. The discovery triggered an investigation by Montreal police (SPVM). “It was a long process,” said Tessier, adding that after she handed the weapon over to police, “They wanted to take our gloves. We had to make a separate statement explaining where we’d fished it up and how it happened.” Tessier tells Noovo Info that she also noted extensive rust in the breech, making it impossible to check for ammunition. She says she believes the gun may have been in the water for at least two years. Although the discovery may seem unusual, Tessier and Hardy explain that this isn’t the first weapon they’ve fished out of the water with their magnets. “I’ve already found a Second World War shell, which is an explosive,” said Hardy. Tessier adds that the procedure for reporting the discovery of a weapon varies depending on location. “There are places where they [the police] pick it up and take it away, and that’s the end of it,” she said. The two emphasize that their passion for magnet fishing helps remove metal from the waterways, helping wildlife to recover more effectively.
