A reward of £2,000 has been offered in the search for a cocaine dealer on the run since he fled his trial two years ago.

Crimestoppers is offering the reward for information on the whereabouts of Scott Woods, who was sentenced in his absence in 2014 to 12 years imprisonment for conspiracy to sell cocaine.

The 28 year old was one of five men found guilty of producing cocaine worth up to £200,000, and absconded during his trial at Bournemouth Crown Court.

He has friends and family connections across Dorset, but may also be hiding in the Merseyside area where he has previous criminal associations, and a European Arrest Warrant has been issued for his capture.

Emily van der Lely, Crimestoppers’ regional manager, said: “It’s believed that Scott Woods is likely to be hiding in areas where he has strong connections, such as in Bournemouth, Poole, and Lulworth Cove. However, it’s also possible that he has gone underground in Merseyside as this is where a second gang member - who also absconded during his trial - is from.

“It’s now crucial that Scott Woods serves his sentence for his part in the conspiracy to produce and sell illegal drugs. Someone will know where he is, which is why we have put up a reward for information that leads to his arrest.”

If you have any information, please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through the anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

The reward of up to £2,000 is valid for three months and will only qualify if information is passed to Crimestoppers, and not if information is passed directly to the police.