Man jailed for role in moderating nationwide dark net drug market

A man who acted as an online moderator for a nationwide dark net drug supply network has been imprisoned following an investigation by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU). 

Connor Pardoe, aged 30, of Bewlay Close, Dudley, was sentenced today (20/5) at Kingston Crown Court for his role in supporting the illegal online marketplace operating under the name SocialPharma. 

From April 2024 until April 2025, Pardoe worked for SocialPharma. All of his involvement was conducted online, and he was paid in drugs in return for his work. 

Firstly a customer of SocialPharma, Pardoe later took on a more significant role as a moderator, effectively acting as a customer service representative. In this role, Pardoe facilitated communication between buyers and the network, handling complaints about lost packages, answering queries, and removing members who failed to follow group rules. He also promoted drug listings within SocialPharma channels and across a wider network of related drug platforms. 

At a hearing in March, Pardoe pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs (namely crack cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin), and one count of conspiracy to supply class B drugs (namely amphetamine). 

Pardoe was sentenced to three years and nine months’ imprisonment for the above offences.  

SocialPharma was a large-scale online drugs operation supplying class A, B and C drugs, including counterfeit pharmaceutical tablets, via Telegram and dark net markets. Established in 2018, the network received at least £4.3 million in Bitcoin payments. 

In December 2025, four key members of the group – Osvaldas Novikovas, Jordanas Avizienius, Marius Sutrinavicius and Javed Afzal Khan – were imprisoned for a combined total of more than 47 years for their roles in running the operation, which included drug supply, packaging and distribution, and sourcing pharmaceutical products. 

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. 

“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."