Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 co-defendants have been sentenced to death by hanging following their conviction in a major drug trafficking and manufacturing scheme.
The verdict was issued by a Cairo criminal court and confirmed following a mandatory, non-binding review by Egypt’s Grand Mufti.
Prosecutors proved that Khalifa, 39, along with 11 core members of a 28-defendant ring, operated a structured criminal network. Roles were split across importing raw chemical precursors, operating lab processing, and overseeing distribution.
Law enforcement seized over 750 kg (1,653 lbs) of synthetic narcotics and precursor materials, along with unlicensed firearms, ammunition, and two Cairo apartments converted into illegal laboratories.
The prosecution presented statements from 20 witnesses, alongside digital evidence including wiretapped messages, videos, and photographs.
Khalifa, best known for hosting the security-focused program Mission Impossible, denied all involvement. During trial testimony, she stated she had never seen narcotics before being photographed with them inside police custody.
Defense attorneys confirmed they will file an appeal with Egypt’s Court of Cassation. Under Egyptian criminal law, all capital punishment rulings remain subject to appeal.
