Connor Pardoe, 30, began as a customer of the SocialPharma dark web drugs network but ended up helping run the £4.3 million empire — without receiving any wages. His entire participation took place online, with payment made in drugs for his services.
From Customer to Moderator
Initially a user of SocialPharma, Pardoe assumed a more substantial position as a moderator, effectively acting as a customer service agent. In this role, he facilitated communication between buyers and the operation, handled complaints about missing deliveries, responded to inquiries, and expelled members who violated group rules. He also advertised drug listings within SocialPharma channels and across a broader network of associated drug platforms.
Legal Consequences
During a hearing in March, the 30-year-old admitted guilt to three counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs (crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin) and one count of conspiracy to supply class B drugs (amphetamine). He received a prison sentence of three years and nine months.
The SocialPharma Network
SocialPharma operated as a large-scale online drugs enterprise distributing class A, B, and C drugs, including counterfeit pharmaceutical tablets, through Telegram and dark web markets. Founded in 2018, the operation collected at least £4.3 million in Bitcoin payments. In December 2025, four principal members — Osvaldas Novikovas, Jordanas Avizienius, Marius Sutrinavicius, and Javed Afzal Khan — were jailed for a collective period exceeding 47 years for their involvement in managing the scheme, which included drug supply, packaging, distribution, and obtaining pharmaceutical products.
Police Statement
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Rob Bryant of SEROCU's Cyber team said: "Pardoe may not have been involved in the physical handling of drugs, but his role was vital in maintaining the day-to-day operation of this criminal enterprise. By acting as a moderator and handling customer service, he helped facilitate the supply of dangerous and unregulated substances to customers across the UK."
He added: "The risks posed by drugs sold through platforms like SocialPharma remain significant. Customers have no way of knowing exactly what they are buying, and these substances can have devastating or even fatal consequences. I hope today's sentence demonstrates that individuals who support organised crime groups online will be held accountable, even if their role is carried out entirely behind a screen."
