A former customer of a £4.3 million dark web drugs empire has been jailed for three years and nine months after becoming a key moderator for the operation. Connor Pardoe, 30, worked for SocialPharma between April 2024 and April 2025, receiving payment in drugs rather than wages. He started as a customer before taking on a customer service role within the criminal enterprise.
Role as Moderator
As a moderator, Pardoe handled complaints about missing deliveries, responded to enquiries, and expelled members who broke group rules. He also advertised drug listings across SocialPharma channels and other associated platforms. In March, Pardoe admitted three counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs including crack cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin, plus one count of conspiracy to supply class B drugs.
Operation Details
SocialPharma operated through Telegram and dark web markets, distributing class A, B and C drugs including counterfeit pharmaceutical tablets. The operation, founded in 2018, collected at least £4.3 million in Bitcoin payments. Four principal members of the organisation were jailed for a collective period exceeding 47 years in December 2025.
Detective Inspector Rob Bryant said Pardoe's role was "vital in maintaining the day-to-day operation of this criminal enterprise." He added: "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."
