Crime-show host Sarah Khalifa among 12 sentenced to death in Egypt drugs case

An Egyptian court has sentenced television presenter Sarah Khalifa, 39, and 11 others to death for drug trafficking, according to official media reports. Khalifa, known for her security and crime-focused show "Mission Impossible," is accused of forming an organized criminal gang specializing in narcotics production and trafficking.

The state-controlled Al-Ahram newspaper stated that the court found Khalifa guilty of charges including manufacturing synthetic drugs with intent to traffic, importing materials from abroad, and possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The verdict, which requires consultation with Egypt's Grand Mufti for religious opinion, is subject to appeal.

Prosecutors allege that authorities seized over 750 kilograms of narcotics and raw materials, as well as two apartments used as drug laboratories. Additionally, Khalifa was sentenced to five years in prison for a separate kidnapping and assault case. Egypt applies the death penalty for premeditated murder, terrorism, certain rape offenses, and drug trafficking. In 2025, the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms reported 541 death sentences were issued.