Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa has been sentenced to death by hanging along with 11 other defendants after a Cairo court convicted them in a major case involving the manufacture and trafficking of synthetic drugs. Khalifa, 39, who is known for hosting the crime and security programme Mission Impossible, has denied the allegations and her lawyer said she would appeal.
The Cairo Criminal Court delivered the ruling after the case involved 28 defendants. Nine others were sentenced to life imprisonment, while seven defendants were acquitted.
Khalifa became emotional during the court proceedings and appealed to the judge for mercy. Egyptian media reported that she was crying as she maintained that she was not involved in the alleged drug operation.
During an earlier court appearance, Khalifa denied having any connection with drugs. She said, ‘I’ve never smoked a cigarette in my life. I swear to God, I’m innocent.’
She also told the court, ‘Please listen to me, sir. My parents raised me well; they are people who pray, and I don’t need drug money’.
The drug trafficking case
Prosecutors said the defendants formed an organised criminal gang that obtained materials from abroad for manufacturing synthetic narcotics and intended to traffic the drugs. Investigators said different members of the group handled the import of raw materials, production and distribution.
Authorities seized more than 750 kilograms of narcotics and materials used in their production during the investigation. Two residential apartments were also identified as locations allegedly used to store materials and manufacture the drugs.
The case also involved allegations of possession and carrying of firearms and ammunition without the required licences. Prosecutors presented statements from 20 witnesses as well as digital and technical evidence, including messages, photographs and videos.
Khalifa was arrested in Cairo in April 2025 during the investigation. Prosecutors also said two defendants remained at large and were placed under travel restrictions and watch-list measures.
Her television career
Khalifa became known in Egypt through television work and later hosted Mission Impossible, a programme focused on security and crime. She also operated a cosmetic surgery clinic and an event production business.
The presenter has continued to reject the accusations against her. According to reports from the proceedings, she told the judge that she had never seen drugs until she was photographed with them at the anti-narcotics authority offices.
The death sentences were referred to Egypt’s Grand Mufti for a religious opinion, a required procedure in capital cases. The Mufti’s opinion is advisory and does not bind the court.
The court formally confirmed the death sentences after receiving the Mufti’s opinion. The defendants have the right to challenge the ruling before Egypt’s Court of Cassation.
The latest ruling does not mean an execution is imminent because the defendants still have judicial avenues available to challenge their convictions and sentences. Egypt allows the death penalty for serious offences including drug trafficking, and further legal procedures must be completed before any execution can take place.