In a significant legal development, UK drill rapper Digga D, born Rhys Herbert, has been sentenced to three years and 11 months in prison for supplying 99lbs (45kg) of cannabis. The rapper, known for his impactful presence in the drill music scene, was arrested at his property near Lincoln while broadcasting on Instagram Live on February 21, 2024.
Herbert pleaded guilty in May to charges related to the importation and distribution of cannabis but denied involvement in the commercial sale of larger quantities of the drug. A Newton Hearing held in December determined that he had played a significant role in the operation. Judge Simon Hirst stated that the evidence indicated Herbert expected substantial financial gain from his actions, necessitating a custodial sentence due to the serious nature of the offenses.
During sentencing, Judge Hirst remarked on Herbert’s significant role and the severe consequences of his actions, emphasizing that drug-related crimes have damaging effects on communities. The court noted Herbert’s prior convictions, which included violent offenses and possession of a blade, further complicating his legal standing.
Herbert, who followed the sentencing via video link from HMP Wormwood Scrubs, was described by his defense attorney as a young man whose career has been derailed by this imprisonment, calling it “very sad and disappointing.” However, Detective Constable Jacob Saville of the Metropolitan Police reiterated the seriousness of the case, stating that the evidence against Herbert was “irrefutable.”
As Digga D begins his prison sentence, the case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by artists within the drill music genre, where legal troubles and personal struggles often intersect with their careers.
