Egyptian TV Host Sarah Khalifa Sentenced to Death in Synthetic Drug Case
A Cairo criminal court sentenced television host Sarah Khalifa, 39, and 11 other defendants to death by hanging on Saturday. The court convicted them of forming an organized gang that imported materials used to manufacture synthetic drugs for trafficking.
Khalifa has more than two million followers on social media. She hosted the crime and security program Mission Impossible on Al-Mehwar. She also operated a cosmetic clinic and an events company.
Nine other defendants received life sentences. Seven of the 28 people charged were acquitted.
State newspaper Al-Ahram reported that the death sentences were unanimous. They were issued after Egypt’s Grand Mufti gave the opinion required by law.
Prosecutors said authorities seized more than 750 kilograms of narcotics and drug-making materials. They also cited statements from 20 witnesses, along with electronic evidence that included messages, photos, and video.
Authorities arrested Khalifa in Cairo in April 2025. She has denied the drug charges and shouted that she was innocent when the verdict was read.
Al Jazeera reported that Khalifa told investigators she had “never smoked a cigarette in my life” and declared her innocence.
“Please listen to me, sir. My parents raised me well; they are people who pray, and I don’t need drug money”
Egyptian media reported that Khalifa was weeping during the court session and asking the court for mercy.
Prosecutors alleged that the group imported raw materials from abroad and used residential properties to store them and manufacture synthetic drugs. Authorities said the members divided responsibilities among procurement, manufacturing, and distribution.
Investigators also seized unlicensed firearms and ammunition alongside the narcotics, according to the prosecution.
Khalifa’s lawyers said they will appeal the death sentence.