Forensic evidence that may link three men to a large drug operation in Ballarat where pills were manufactured and sold to nightclub patrons is expected to be finalised by the end of March.
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Peter Moore, 20, Nathan Weightman, 21, and Ian Weightman, 59, are accused of manufacturing powdered drugs into thousands of pills and selling them in nightclubs in Ballarat and Melbourne during 2017.
The trio fronted the Ballarat Magistrates Court on Thursday for a committal hearing.
The court was told police investigations, including fingerprint, DNA and drug analysis, were incomplete but should be finalised by March 22.
Defence lawyer Jon Irwin, for Ian Weightman, said DNA and fingerprints were important in determining his client's charges. He said Weightman denied drug paraphernalia was linked to him.
Mr Irwin, acting for Nathan Weightman on behalf of lawyer Scott Belcher, said he understood Nathan Weightman was pleading not guilty to the drug charges.
Defence lawyer Mike Wardell, for Moore, requested an adjournment for his client so the prosecution and defence could explore a resolution.
Police allege drug paraphernalia, including a 30-gram block of methamphetamine, was found at Moore and Nathan Weightman's Golden Point home on October 20, 2017.
Nathan Weighman is accused of purchasing a tablet press machine, which police allegedly found at Ian Weightman's Redan home.
The court had previously been told powdered ecstasy was allegedly manufactured into 2000 pills in the shape of a Transformer, while a further 2000 tablets were allegedly manufactured with a Homer Simpson brand.
Police allege powdered drugs were manufactured into thousands of pills with some sold at a Ballarat nightclub.
The court was told Moore, a Ballarat DJ, has provided evidence against his two co-accused. Nathan Weightman, a harness racing driver, and Moore faces charges, including trafficking a commercial quantity of MDMA.
His uncle, Ian Weightman, faces three charges, including trafficking ecstasy, possessing ecstasy, pills and powder and possessing a tablet press without a lawful excuse.
Magistrate Ron Saines adjourned the three cases to March 22 for a further committal mention. Moore and Nathan Weightman's bail was extended, while Ian Weightman remains in custody.
