Egyptian TV Star Sarah Khalifa Sentenced to Death in Shocking Drug Case — 'I've Never Smoked a Cigarette in My Life'

A Cairo criminal court has sentenced Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 others to death by hanging for their alleged roles in a massive synthetic drug trafficking network. The 39-year-old host of the crime program "Mission Impossible," who wept in court and pleaded for "mercy and humanity," has denied all charges and plans to appeal the verdict.

CAIRO – In a verdict that has stunned the Arab world, an Egyptian court on Saturday sentenced Sarah Khalifa, a prominent television presenter and lifestyle influencer, to death alongside 11 co-defendants for forming an organized criminal gang involved in the manufacturing and trafficking of narcotics .

The ruling, issued by Cairo's Criminal Court, convicted the group of importing raw materials used to manufacture synthetic drugs with the intent to traffic them, and of possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition . Nine other defendants received life imprisonment, while seven were acquitted .

The Verdict and the Reaction

According to state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper, the court imposed a fine of 500,000 Egyptian pounds (approximately $9,800) on each of the 12 defendants sentenced to death .

Following the reading of the sentence, a video circulated on social media appearing to show Khalifa weeping in court. In the footage, she can be heard pleading, "I have never smoked a cigarette in my life. I swear to Almighty God, with the strongest oath, that I have been wronged" . The court had sought a religious opinion from Egypt's Grand Mufti — a mandatory legal procedure in capital cases — before finalizing the sentence .

The Case and a Desperate Defense

The case began in April 2025 when Egyptian anti-narcotics authorities announced they had uncovered a significant network involved in synthetic drug production . According to prosecutors, the network imported raw materials from abroad, which were then disguised in cosmetic containers and luggage .

Authorities seized more than 750 kilograms (1,653 pounds) of synthetic narcotics and raw materials from two apartments allegedly used as laboratories . The prosecution built its case on testimony from 20 witnesses and electronic evidence, including conversations, photographs, and video footage .

During a court hearing, Khalifa reportedly told the judge that she had never seen drugs until her photograph was taken with them at the offices of the Anti-Narcotics Authority . She also owns a plastic surgery clinic and a production company specializing in event organization .

The Road Ahead: An Appeal

Khalifa's lawyer, Mohamed El-Gendy, has confirmed that the defense will appeal the verdict . The case is now expected to be reviewed by a higher criminal court, which can confirm, reduce, or overturn the sentences . A final appeal could also be lodged with Egypt's Court of Cassation .

The case has drawn renewed attention to the application of the death penalty in Egypt. According to Amnesty International, Egypt issued 492 death sentences in 2025, one of the highest recorded rates in the world, though only 23 executions were reportedly carried out .

For now, Khalifa's fate rests with the appeals process — but the shocking verdict has already sent a clear message about the severity with which Egypt treats drug offenses.