Egyptian television presenter sentenced to death for drug trafficking
Sarah Khalifa, 39, was sentenced to death by hanging along with eleven other defendants in a large case involving the manufacture and trafficking of synthetic drugs
The Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa, 39, has been sentenced to death by hanging along with eleven other defendants in a major case involving the manufacturing and trafficking of synthetic drugs, several Egyptian state media outlets reported.
According to the daily Al-Ahram, the Cairo court found that Sarah Khalifa and her accomplices had formed a criminal organization tasked with importing raw materials from abroad in order to produce and then sell narcotics. They were also found guilty of illegal possession of weapons and ammunition.
The investigation led to the seizure of more than 750 kilograms of drugs and raw materials. Two apartments serving as clandestine laboratories were also discovered by the authorities.
Sarah Khalifa is known in Egypt for her activities in the media, particularly on television. She also owns a cosmetic surgery clinic and a production company specializing in event management.
As provided for by Egyptian procedure in cases punishable by the death penalty, the court had previously sought the opinion of Egypt’s Grand Mufti. However, the sentence is not final and can still be appealed.
In another separate case, related to the kidnapping and assault of a young man, Sarah Khalifa and several other defendants were also sentenced to five years in prison.
Suggested articles
Egypt maintains the death penalty for several serious crimes, including premeditated murder, certain acts of terrorism, and drug trafficking. According to the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms, 541 death sentences were handed down in the country in 2025.