An Egyptian court has sentenced popular television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 others to death by hanging for allegedly manufacturing and trafficking narcotics.
Egyptian state media reported on Saturday that the Cairo court found the defendants guilty of forming an organised criminal gang involved in producing and trafficking synthetic drugs.
The court also convicted them of possessing and carrying unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Khalifa, 39, is known for presenting Mission Impossible, a television programme focused on security and crime-related issues.
The death sentences followed consultation with Egypt’s Grand Mufti, whose religious opinion is required before capital punishment can be carried out under Egyptian law.
The defendants have the right to appeal the verdict.
Authorities accused the group of manufacturing synthetic drugs from raw materials imported from abroad for distribution.
More than 750 kilogrammes of narcotics and raw materials were reportedly seized during the investigation, while two apartments allegedly used as drug laboratories were also discovered. Unlicensed firearms and ammunition were also recovered.
Khalifa, who owns a plastic surgery clinic and a production company involved in organising parties and events, was separately sentenced to five years in prison alongside some of the defendants over the alleged kidnapping and assault of a young man.
Egypt imposes the death penalty for several offences, including premeditated murder, terrorism, certain rape cases and drug trafficking.
The Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms said 541 death sentences were issued in the country in 2025.
