UK Drill Star Digga D Faces Court Over Cannabis Supply Charges
Renowned UK drill artist Digga D, whose real name is Rhys Herbert, is facing allegations of supplying up to 60kg (132lbs) of cannabis at a commercial scale, including distributing the drug socially within his music industry circle, a court has heard.
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Herbert was arrested in the early hours of February 21, 2024, near Lincoln while broadcasting live on Instagram. He pleaded guilty in May to smuggling cannabis on July 11, 2023, and admitted to supplying the drug between October 26, 2022, and February 21, 2024.
Despite his plea, prosecutors at Lincoln Crown Court argued that Herbert’s activities involved large-scale drug distribution. A Newton Hearing is now underway to determine whether the rapper’s role in the operation was more extensive than he claims. Prosecutors assert he supplied cannabis on a "commercial scale" rather than the smaller quantities he has admitted to importing.
Defense Claims Social Supply, Limited Sales
Herbert’s defense lawyer, James Scobie KC, acknowledged that the rapper was a heavy cannabis user who shared the drug socially within his entourage. This group included four individuals living with him in Bracebridge Heath, near Lincoln, at the time of the police raid.
Scobie admitted Herbert imported 3kg (6.6lbs) of cannabis and sold roughly 5kg (11lbs) sporadically, earning small profits of £300-£400 per deal. However, prosecutors contend that Herbert distributed as much as 60kg (132lbs) and played a leading role in a larger operation.
Prosecution Highlights Evidence of Large-Scale Supply
The court was presented with evidence, including messages analyzed by a drug expert, which suggested Herbert was involved in wholesale kilo-level cannabis distribution, importing products from the United States.
Video footage of Herbert handling a bag of cannabis and allegedly criticizing its quality was also shown. Additionally, prosecutors pointed to photographs of Herbert with large amounts of cash, reinforcing claims of commercial-scale drug activity.
During the raid, officers recovered two sets of weighing scales and a cannabis grinder from Herbert’s London home on Lonsdale Road.
Defense Argues Legitimate Income
Scobie emphasized Herbert’s status as a successful musician with legitimate earnings exceeding £3 million at the time of the alleged offenses. He argued that Herbert’s videos, often showing cash, were part of his artistic persona rather than evidence of drug-related profits.
Remanded in Custody
Currently, Herbert is being held at HMP Wormwood Scrubs and followed the hearing via video link from prison.
A Leading Name in UK Drill
Digga D has risen to prominence as one of the UK’s top drill artists, with millions of views on his tracks. Originally emerging from Chicago in the early 2010s, drill music has gained significant traction in the UK, where Herbert has become one of its most recognizable figures.
The hearing, which is set to last two days, continues as the court weighs evidence regarding the scale of Herbert’s involvement in the cannabis supply network.
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