UK Drill rapper Digga D jailed for supplying cannabis

A leading UK drill star has been jailed for three years and 11 months for supplying 99lbs (45kg) of cannabis.

Digga D, whose name is Rhys Herbert, was arrested at his property near Lincoln in the early hours of 21 February 2024 while broadcasting on Instagram Live.

Herbert, of Lonsdale Road in Notting Hill, London, pleaded guilty in May to two charges relating to the importation and supply of cannabis.

However, the 24-year-old denied being involved in commercial sale of up to 132lbs (60kg) of the Class B drug at Lincoln Crown Court but the basis of his pleas were not accepted.

During a two-day trial of the issue, known as a Newton Hearing, in December, Judge Simon Hirst decided on the level of Herbert’s drug dealing.

Passing sentence Judge Hirst said he was “satisfied” Herbert had played a significant role in supplying cannabis and had sold at least 99lbs (45kg) for a commercial profit.

The judge told Herbert: “It is agreed you had a significant role on the basis you expected significant financial advantage. On occasions others were involved in the operation of returning and collecting cannabis.

“The level of the offending is so serious that there must be a sentence of imprisonment.”

The court heard Herbert had six previous convictions for 13 offences, including possession of a blade and violent disorder. He had also spent 30 months in youth detention in March 2020.

Herbert followed the sentence hearing via videolink from HMP Wormwood Scrubs where he has been on remand since his arrest in February 2024.

James Scobie KC, mitigating for Herbert, said: “It is very, very sad and disappointing that he has had at the very least a year of his productive working life behind bars.

“He’s not a danger to the public, he’s actually a contributor to the public.”

Det Con Jacob Saville from the Metropolitan Police said the evidence gathered against Herbert was “irrefutable”.

He added: “Rhys Herbert has already admitted to his role in the importation and supply of large quantities of cannabis; now a Judge has reviewed all of the evidence and determined he played a significant role in this operation.

“Drugs and the associated criminality they bring devastates communities and we will continue to identify and arrest those responsible who engage in this activity.”