Eniola Yekini
An Egyptian court has sentenced television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 other defendants to death over their alleged involvement in the manufacture and trafficking of narcotics, according to Egyptian state media.
Khalifa, 39, is a well-known television personality who hosted the programme “Mission Impossible”, which focused on security and crime-related issues.
The Cairo court handed down the death sentences after finding the defendants guilty of forming an organised criminal group allegedly involved in obtaining materials used to manufacture narcotics for distribution.
According to the state-linked Al-Ahram newspaper, Khalifa and the other defendants were sentenced to death by hanging for forming an organised criminal gang, possessing materials used in the production of narcotics with the intention of trafficking them, as well as possessing and carrying unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Before issuing the death sentences, the court consulted Egypt’s Grand Mufti for a religious opinion, a procedure required under Egyptian law in capital punishment cases.
The verdict is not yet final, as the defendants have the right to appeal the decision.
The case reportedly followed a major investigation into the alleged manufacture and distribution of synthetic drugs.
State-run Akhbar Al-Youm reported that the defendants were accused of importing materials from abroad for the production of synthetic narcotics, with the intention of trafficking the finished products.
Authorities reportedly seized more than 750 kilogrammes of narcotics and raw materials during the investigation.
Investigators also discovered two apartments allegedly being used as laboratories for drug production, along with unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The court also sentenced Khalifa and some of the other defendants to five years in prison in a separate case involving the alleged kidnapping and assault of a young man.
Khalifa is also known for her business interests outside television. She owns a plastic surgery clinic and a production company involved in organising parties and other events.
Her involvement in the drug case has therefore attracted significant attention because of her public profile and previous career in television.
Egypt is among the countries where capital punishment remains available for certain serious offences.
The death penalty can be imposed for crimes including premeditated murder, terrorism, some rape offences and drug trafficking.
The Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms reported that 541 death sentences were issued by Egyptian courts in 2025.
The latest ruling is expected to face further legal proceedings through the appeals process before any final execution decision is reached.
The case has drawn attention to Egypt’s continued use of capital punishment in major narcotics cases and the country’s efforts to tackle the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs.