CAIRO: An Egyptian court has handed down death sentences to television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 other defendants in a major narcotics case, according to reports by Egyptian state media.
Khalifa, 39, became known for presenting Mission Impossible, a television programme that examined crime, security and related issues.
The Cairo court found Khalifa and the other defendants guilty of forming an organised criminal network allegedly involved in acquiring substances used in the production of synthetic drugs for the purpose of trafficking. The defendants were also convicted of possessing and transporting firearms and ammunition without the required licences.
Egyptian Grand Mufti’s religious opinion
In accordance with Egyptian law, the court referred the death sentences to the country’s Grand Mufti for a religious opinion before formally issuing the capital punishment. The ruling remains subject to appeal.
The investigators accused the group of producing synthetic narcotics after bringing the necessary chemical materials into the country from overseas. Egyptian newspaper Akhbar Al-Youm reported
During the investigation, authorities reportedly seized more than 750 kilograms of narcotics and materials believed to have been intended for drug production. Investigators also found two apartments that were allegedly being operated as clandestine drug laboratories. Unlicensed weapons and ammunition were reportedly recovered from the locations as well.
Khalifa has also faced allegations in a separate criminal case. In that matter, she and several other defendants were sentenced to five years in prison over the alleged kidnapping and assault of a young man.
Beyond her television career, Khalifa is reported to own a plastic surgery clinic and a production company involved in organising parties and other events.
Egypt retains capital punishment for a number of serious offences, including premeditated murder, terrorism, certain sexual offences and drug trafficking.
Figures cited by the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms indicate that Egyptian courts issued 541 death sentences during 2025.
