Court Examines Rapper Digga D’s Alleged Cannabis Supply

A court has been informed that a prominent UK drill artist provided as much as 60kg (132lbs) of cannabis, operating on a “commercial” scale, which included social distribution to individuals within his music industry entourage. Rhys Herbert, known professionally as Digga D, was apprehended near Lincoln during the early hours of February 21 while engaged in an Instagram Live broadcast. He entered a guilty plea in May to a cannabis smuggling charge connected to an incident on July 11, 2023. Additionally, he confessed to supplying cannabis over the period spanning October 26, 2022, to February 21, 2024. Nevertheless, a judge at Lincoln Crown Court is currently determining whether the rapper held a primary role in the distribution of the Class B drug in “a commercial scale,” following the prosecution’s rejection of his claim that he had imported 3kg (6.6lbs). During a Newton Hearing, which is a trial of the issue, James Scobie KC, Herbert’s defence barrister, stated that the artist acknowledged being a significant cannabis user and also provided the substance socially to his music industry entourage. This group comprised four individuals residing with him at his Bracebridge Heath address, located near Lincoln, at the time of the raid. Mr. Scobie informed the court that Herbert, whose address is Lonsdale Road, Notting Hill, London, conceded to importing 3kg (6.6lbs) of cannabis and distributing approximately 5kg (11lbs) of the Class B drug on a “sporadic” commercial foundation, generating a modest profit of £300-£400 per transaction. Conversely, prosecutors asserted that the musician held a primary position in the supply of cannabis, involving quantities reaching up to 60kg (132lbs). The court was informed that a drugs expert for the prosecution, after reviewing messages retrieved from Herbert, determined that they aligned with the wholesale kilo distribution of Skunk cannabis brought in from America. Additionally, mobile phone video footage depicting the rapper handling a bag of cannabis and reportedly expressing dissatisfaction with its quality was presented in court. The prosecution contended that several photographs displayed Herbert handling substantial sums of money. From Herbert’s London residence on Lonsdale Road, two sets of weighing scales and a cannabis grinder were seized, the court was told. Mr. Scobie informed the court that his client is an internationally recognized musician possessing a legitimate income and produces videos that showcase significant quantities of cash. According to Mr. Scobie, Herbert’s earnings exceeded £3 million during the period of these activities. Herbert is presently held in custody at HMP Wormwood Scrubs and is observing the hearing remotely through a video link from the correctional facility. Digga D stands as one of the United Kingdom’s foremost drill performers, with his musical tracks accumulating millions of online views. The drill music genre originated in Chicago in the early 2010s, but in more recent years, artists in the UK have embraced it. The two-day hearing remains ongoing.