Egyptian TV host Sarah Khalifa has been sentenced to death in a major synthetic drug case involving 28 defendants and more than 750 kg of narcotics.
Egyptian television personality Sarah Khalifa has been sentenced to death by hanging after being convicted alongside other defendants in a sprawling case involving the alleged manufacture and trafficking of synthetic drugs.
Khalifa was among 12 defendants sentenced to death in the case, which involved a total of 28 accused individuals, according to reports cited by Fox News and Egyptian media. Nine defendants received life sentences, while seven were acquitted.
Sarah Khalifa sentenced to death
Khalifa is a former Egyptian TV host, media personality and beauty clinic owner who has appeared on several television channels. She reportedly previously hosted the crime-focused program “Mission Impossible.”
The 39-year-old media personality has also built a substantial social media following, with more than 2.5 million Instagram followers. She was arrested in Cairo in April 2025 as authorities investigated the alleged drug operation.
The court found Khalifa and other defendants guilty in a case centered on an alleged organized criminal group involved in importing materials used to manufacture synthetic narcotics.
More than 750 kg of drugs and materials seized
The investigation uncovered a large quantity of synthetic narcotics and raw materials, according to prosecutors.
Authorities reportedly seized more than 750 kilograms, or approximately 1,653 pounds, of synthetic drugs and materials connected to the alleged operation. Investigators also accused members of the group of possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Prosecutors alleged that different members of the organization had separate responsibilities, including importing raw materials, manufacturing narcotics and distributing the finished products.
Residential properties were also allegedly used to store materials and manufacture the drugs.
Digital evidence used in the case
The prosecution’s case reportedly relied on testimony from 20 witnesses, as well as technical and digital evidence.
Messages, photographs and videos were among the evidence prosecutors said documented the alleged criminal activities, according to reports from Egyptian media cited by Fox News. Authorities also placed the defendants’ assets and bank accounts under precautionary measures.
The scale of the investigation has made the case one of the most closely watched recent drug prosecutions involving a prominent Egyptian media figure.
Khalifa’s dramatic fall from television fame
Khalifa began her media career at a young age and later worked with Egyptian and Iraqi broadcasters. Her television career included appearances connected to crime and security programming.
She later expanded into business, including operating a beauty clinic and an event production company.
Her arrest in 2025 marked a dramatic change for the television personality, who had maintained a significant public profile and large online following.
Reports also say Khalifa denied involvement in the alleged drug operation.
Death sentences can be appealed
Despite the severity of the verdict, the death sentences are not necessarily final.
Egyptian courts consult the country’s Grand Mufti in capital cases, although the Mufti’s opinion is not binding on the court. Reports indicate that Khalifa and the other defendants have the right to appeal the verdict.
The case has drawn widespread attention because of Khalifa’s public profile and the enormous quantity of synthetic narcotics and raw materials authorities say were uncovered.
For now, the former TV host faces the possibility of execution by hanging if the death sentence ultimately survives the appeals process.
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