FIVE members of a family are facing jail for their part in a large heroin supplying ring.

The latest two dealers were convicted this week and warned by a judge to expect a substantial period behind bars.

Mahzar Ali, 28, and Tariq Mahmood, 38, were found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and of two charges of concealing criminal property.

The pair, both of Park Road, Stockton, had denied the charges but convicted on unanimous verdicts after a trial at Teesside Crown Court.

Ali's brother Azhar Ali, 32, of the same address, had earlier admitted conspiracy to supply a Class A drug, while their sister, Shanaz Mahmood, 35, and her husband Arshad Mahmood, 39, admitted money laundering.

The couple, of Yarm Road, Stockton, will be sentenced with the other three defendants when the case returns to court, possibly in October. Prosecutors also plan to launch a bid under the Proceeds of Crime Act to confiscate any money any of the five have made from the drugs trade.

Mahzar Ali and Tariq Mahmood were remanded in custody by Judge John Walford on Wednesday, and told them: "These offences are so serious that there can only be a lengthy custodial sentence."

He added: "You have been convicted by a jury of these serious offences.

"Sentence can only take place when the other members involved are before the courts.

"I am adjourning sentence and call for pre-sentence reports so the court is provided with as much information as possible before sentence is passed."

A Cleveland Police operation in December 2003 resulted in the arrests and the seizure of almost £100,000 and one-and-a-quarter kilos of heroin.

Mazhar Ali and Tariq Mahmood were jointly convicted of concealing £84,130, while Ali was found guilty of concealing £3,300 and Mahmood guilty of concealing £10,000.

Bail applications from barristers acting for Ali and Mahmood were rejected by Judge Walford who told them: "There is, in my judgment, a measure of risk that you would fail to surrender."

Mahmood, whose aunt living in the south of England is gravely ill, was told he could apply to the prison authorities for a release on compassionate grounds.