A criminal who admitted possessing drugs has evaded police for nearly two weeks after running out of a courtroom in south London.

Abu Faye, 26, from Hackney, north London, was caught on CCTV fleeing Croydon Crown Court during his hearing on March 17.

He denied five counts of possession with intent to supply but admitted five counts of possession of class A and class B drugs. 

The judge tried to remand Faye in custody but the defendant ran out of court eight just after 4pm that day and has still not been caught.

The Metropolitan Police has launched an urgent manhunt and is urging members of the public not to approach him. 

The force has launched an appeal for anyone with information to call 999.

A spokesperson said: ‘Police are asking for the public’s help to trace a man who has absconded from court.

‘On Tuesday, 17 March at 16:03hrs, the Met was informed by the prison service that Abu Faye, 26, from Hackney, had left Croydon Crown Court during a hearing for drug-related offences.

Abu Faye, 26, from Hackney, north London, was caught on CCTV fleeing Croydon Crown Court during his hearing on March 17

The judge tried to remand Faye in custody but the defendant ran out of court eight just after 4pm that day and has still not been caught. Pictured here is the 26-year-old on CCTV fleeing Croydon Crown Court 

‘Faye was captured on CCTV leaving the court at 16:01hrs and fled on foot. He also has links to Penge and Cambridge.

‘He had been charged with five counts of possession with intent to supply and five counts of possession of Class A and Class B drugs. 

‘He pleaded guilty to the latter five charges, prompting the judge to seek remand.

‘Met detectives have been conducting urgent enquiries, including analysing CCTV, and are working at pace to locate him. They are now appealing to the public for help in doing so.

‘If you see Faye or have any information that may assist police, please do not approach him but call 999 quoting CAD 4966/17MARCH.’