Egypt Sentences TV Presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 Others to Death for Drug Trafficking
Reporting based primarily on newarab.com.
Egyptian Court Imposes Death Sentences in Major Drug Case
An Egyptian court sentenced a well-known television presenter and 11 others to death for manufacturing and trafficking narcotics in a sprawling drugs case, official media reported on Saturday. [1] The state-linked Al-Ahram newspaper said a Cairo court sentenced Khalifa and 11 other defendants to death by hanging on charges of forming an organised criminal gang specialising in procuring materials used in manufacturing narcotics, with the intent to traffic them, and possessing and carrying unlicensed firearms and ammunition. [1] The verdict came after the court consulted the Grand Mufti of Egypt for his religious opinion, a procedure required by Egyptian law in capital cases. [1] The verdict is subject to appeal. [1]
Sarah Khalifa's Public Profile and Business Interests
The presenter, Sarah Khalifa, 39, is best known for her program "Mission Impossible", which dealt with issues concerning security and crime. [1] Khalifa also owns a plastic surgery clinic and a production company that specialises in organising parties and events. [1] These details emerged as authorities addressed the narcotics case involving the television presenter. [1]
Details of the Drug Manufacturing and Trafficking Operation
According to the state-run Akhbar Al-Youm newspaper, the defendants were charged with manufacturing synthetic drugs with the intent to traffic them, by importing the materials used in manufacturing from abroad. [1] Al-Ahram reported that authorities seized more than 750 kilograms of narcotics and raw materials, and found two apartments used as laboratories as well as unlicensed firearms and ammunition. [1] The defendants were convicted of forming an organized criminal gang to procure materials for synthetic drug manufacturing imported from abroad, with intent to traffic them, plus illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. [1]
Separate Conviction for Kidnapping and Assault
The court also sentenced Khalifa and others to five years in prison over a separate case involving the kidnapping and assault of a young man. [1] This additional penalty was issued alongside the primary narcotics convictions. [1]
Egypt's Use of the Death Penalty and Legal Process
Egypt applies the death penalty for premeditated murder, terrorism, some rape offences and drug trafficking. [1] According to the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms, 541 death sentences were issued in Egypt in 2025. [1] The verdict followed the required consultation with the Grand Mufti and remains subject to appeal under Egyptian legal procedures. [1]
What to watch next: Three siblings were found dead on their father’s farm in Akure, Ondo State. [2] Separately, Toni-Ashley Crawford, 33, has been sentenced for the 2024 murder of Teri Rhind. [3]
