Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 other defendants have been sentenced to death by hanging after being convicted of manufacturing and trafficking drugs in a major narcotics case, Egyptian state media reported.
Khalifa, 39, is best known for the program "Mission Impossible," which focused on security and crime. In addition to her television work, she owns a cosmetic surgery clinic and a production company specializing in parties and events.
According to Egypt's Al-Ahram newspaper, a Cairo court convicted Khalifa and the other defendants of forming an organized criminal gang that procured materials used to manufacture drugs for trafficking. They were also convicted of possessing and carrying unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
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The state-run Akhbar Al-Youm newspaper reported that members of the gang imported raw materials from abroad and used them to manufacture synthetic drugs. During the investigation, authorities seized more than 750 kilograms (1,653 pounds) of drugs and raw materials and discovered two apartments being used as laboratories. Unlicensed firearms and ammunition were also found at the sites.
The sentence was handed down after the court referred the case to Egypt's Grand Mufti for his religious opinion, as required under Egyptian law in cases where the death penalty is being considered. The verdict, however, remains subject to appeal.
In a separate case involving the kidnapping and assault of a young man, Khalifa and several other defendants were sentenced to five years in prison.
Egypt permits the death penalty for offenses including premeditated murder, terrorism, certain rape offenses and drug trafficking. According to the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms, Egyptian courts issued 541 death-penalty rulings in 2025.
