An Egyptian court on Saturday sentenced Sarah Khalifa, a popular TV host and social media influencer, to death by hanging in a synthetic drug trafficking case. The ruling applies to 12 defendants out of 28 charged in the operation, according to state-backed media reports. The verdict is not final and remains subject to appeal.
Khalifa, who hosted the crime program Mission Impossible, was convicted alongside 11 others for manufacturing, promoting, and trading synthetic drugs, as well as possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The case centered on allegations that the group operated a production and distribution network, with roles including importing raw materials and manufacturing narcotics in residential properties.
During the sentencing, Khalifa was reported to have pleaded for mercy, stating in court, “I swear to Almighty God, with the strongest oath, that I have been wronged.” She also referenced health concerns, mentioning a tumor during proceedings. The court consulted the Grand Mufti of Egypt for a religious opinion, a legal requirement in capital cases.
Prosecutors alleged the group stored and manufactured drugs in two apartments, with investigators seizing over 750 kilograms of synthetic narcotics and raw materials. The defendants were divided into three categories post-verdict: 12 sentenced to death, nine given life imprisonment, and seven acquitted.
Khalifa, who has 2.6 million Instagram followers, was arrested in Cairo in April 2023 as part of the investigation. The case relied on 20 witness statements and photographic evidence, per reports from state-linked outlets. The defense has not yet publicly detailed its appeal strategy, and no timeline for further proceedings has been confirmed.
The operation targeted a network accused of large-scale synthetic drug production, with authorities describing it as an organized criminal group. Investigators also reported the seizure of unlicensed firearms during raids. The case has drawn attention due to Khalifa’s public profile and the severity of the charges, which carry mandatory capital punishment under Egyptian law for drug trafficking convictions.