The nine people arrested at a house in Meyersdal, Ekurhuleni, for allegedly running a drug lab were remanded in custody at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The case was postponed to July 4, when the accused are expected to file for a formal bail application, while the investigating officer verifies the accused’s residential addresses and citizenship status.

The accused – Francois Marais (31), Victor van Schalkwyk (18), Charl Redelingshuis (26), Thomas John (39), Sibusibo Masemola (39), Billy Mokareka (25) Madelen Cheza (35), Jayson Van Der Heever (21) and Albertus Markus Marais (25) – face charges of dealing drugs, violating the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992, and possible violation of South Africa’s immigration laws.

On June 7, members of the Johannesburg K9 Unit and National Counter Narcotics executed a search warrant on the house after receiving information about a suspected drug lab operating on the property.

During the search, police found large quantities of chemicals used to manufacture drugs, drug manufacturing equipment and drugs.

The drug lab is reportedly worth millions of rands.