Egyptian TV presenter sentenced to death in 750kg drug trafficking case

Egyptian television personality Sarah Khalifa has been sentenced to death by hanging following a conviction for her role in a drug trafficking operation involving over 750 kilograms of narcotics. The Cairo Criminal Court found Khalifa and 11 others guilty of organizing a criminal gang that sourced raw materials for the production and distribution of synthetic drugs. Nine of the 28 defendants received life sentences, while seven were acquitted.

Khalifa, a 39-year-old known for her role on Al-Mehwar TV's "Mission Impossible," had previously denied the allegations, claiming she had never used drugs and insisting her innocence. During the court proceedings, she reportedly broke down in tears and pleaded for mercy, stating that her parents raised her well and that she had no use for drug money.

Prosecutors alleged that the group imported materials from abroad, stored them in residential buildings, and later manufactured and distributed the drugs. The investigation also uncovered unlicensed firearms and ammunition.