Court Hears Rapper Began Cannabis Use at Age 12

British rapper Digga D informed a court that he commenced cannabis use at 12 years old to alleviate frequent migraines. The artist, known in drill music and by his birth name Rhys Herbert, confessed to the importation of 3kg (6.6lbs) of the Class B substance following his arrest near Lincoln in the early morning of 21 February, an event that occurred while he was live-streaming on Instagram. In May, he entered a guilty plea to a charge of cannabis smuggling linked to 11 July 2023, and to a charge of supplying cannabis over the period from 26 October 2022 to 21 February 2024. Nevertheless, during a Newton Hearing, a specific type of trial held at Lincoln Crown Court to resolve factual disputes, the 24-year-old refuted allegations of importing as much as 60kg (132lbs) of cannabis for commercial distribution. Judge Simon Hirst presided over the two-day hearing, and he is tasked with determining the extent of Herbert’s drug dealing activities, as the prosecution did not concur with the foundation of his guilty pleas. Testifying via a video link from HMP Wormwood Scrubs, where he is presently held on remand, the rapper stated that his cannabis use commenced at the age of 12 and continued through his adolescent years to “help with his frequent migraines”. The court was informed that purchasing cannabis in bulk was “a benefit” for Herbert, as he had the financial means to do so, and it resulted in a lower cost. James Scobie KC, his defence barrister, had previously informed the court that the artist’s earnings surpassed £3m during the period of the alleged extensive drug dealing. On Tuesday, prosecutors put forward the suggestion that a message found on Herbert’s phone, which mentioned “40 in the air,” pertained to the importation of approximately 18kg (635oz) of cannabis. Herbert informed the court that this was a “fictional chat” and asserted that he possessed no awareness of 18kg of the substance entering the country at that specific time. He further stated that he acquired bags of cannabis for use in the music video for his successful song, I’m From. The musician explained that purchasing in larger quantities also diminished the likelihood of attracting police attention, given that he was frequently stopped by law enforcement in London and other parts of the country. The trial had previously heard that the 24-year-old was a significant consumer of cannabis and had provided it socially to individuals within the music industry, including members of his entourage. Additionally, he supplied the drug to three individuals residing with him at his residence in Bracebridge Heath, situated near Lincoln. Conversely, prosecutors contend that he engaged in commercial dealings involving quantities up to 60kg. Mr Scobie stated that the artist was selling approximately 5kg (11lbs) of the Class B drug on a “sporadic” commercial basis, generating a modest profit of £300-£400 per transaction. The court was informed that two sets of weighing scales and a cannabis grinder were found at Herbert’s London residence on Lonsdale Road in Notting Hill, where he resided with his mother. Mobile phone footage depicting the star handling a bag of cannabis and purportedly expressing dissatisfaction with its quality was presented to the judge. The prosecution further asserted that several photographs displayed Herbert handling substantial sums of cash. Mr Scobie countered that Herbert is an internationally recognized musician with a legitimate income, and that he produced videos showcasing considerable amounts of cash. The hearing has been postponed until 31 January, at which time the judge is scheduled to deliver his ruling and impose a sentence.