Musician Digga D has told a court that he has been using cannabis since he was 12 years old to help with his frequent migraines. The 24-year-old rapper admitted to importing 3kg of the Class B drug after he was arrested near Lincoln in February 2023 after broadcasting on Instagram Live. He pleaded guilty to both smuggling and supplying drugs. However, during a trial known as a Newton Hearing, he denied importing up to 60kg of cannabis for commercial sale. His defence team stated that the rapper was selling 5kg of cannabis on a “sporadic” commercial basis, making a small profit of £300-£400 on each deal.
The hearing was held in front of Judge Simon Hirst, who will determine Herbert’s punishment. The prosecutor did not accept the basis of Herbert’s pleas. During the two day hearing, Herbert testified from HMP Wormwood Scrubs via a video link. The court heard that for Herbert, buying cannabis in bulk was beneficial as he could afford it and it was cheaper.
Prosecutors suggested a message on Herbert’s phone referring to “40 in the air” was related to the importation of 18kg of cannabis. However, Herbert called it a “fictional chat” and stated he had no knowledge of 18kg of cannabis coming into the country at that time. Mobile phone footage of the artist handling a bag of cannabis and reportedly complaining about the poor quality was played to the judge. A number of photographs reportedly showed him handling large amounts of cash. However, Mr Scobie said Herbert was an internationally recognised musician with a legitimate income, and made videos that demonstrated large amounts of cash.
The trial heard that the 24-year-old was a heavy user of cannabis and had socially supplied others in the music industry, including his entourage. He was also supplying three people living with him in Bracebridge Heath, near Lincoln. Prosecutors claim that he was involved in commercial transactions of up to 60kg. The trial was adjourned until 31 January when the judge will make his ruling and pass down sentencing
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