# Egyptian TV presenter sentenced to death in drug case > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/egyptian-drug-trafficking-sentencing-of-sarah-khalifa > Updated: 2026-09-09T10:39:37.000Z. Sources: 207. Developments: 3. A Cairo criminal court has sentenced Egyptian television presenter and producer Sarah Khalifa to death by hanging, alongside 11 other defendants, for their involvement in a major drug trafficking and manufacturing ring. The group was convicted of forming an organized criminal organization that imported precursor chemicals and raw materials to produce synthetic drugs, specifically synthetic cannabinoids, within Egypt. Authorities reported seizing more than 750 kilograms of narcotics and production materials, including MDMB-4en-PINACA, a potent synthetic cannabinoid, from clandestine laboratories operating out of two residential properties. The group was also convicted of the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. While Khalifa and 11 others received death sentences, nine co-defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment, and seven others were acquitted. The court also imposed a fine of 500,000 Egyptian pounds on the primary defendants. Prosecutors alleged that Khalifa, who has a social media following of over two million, held a leading or coordinating role within the group, provided financial support, and traveled abroad to meet network leaders. Khalifa, 39, known for hosting the crime-focused program ‘Mission Impossible’ on Al-Mehwar TV, has denied all charges. During the proceedings, she maintained her innocence, stating she had ‘never even smoked a cigarette,’ and pleaded for ‘mercy and humanity.’ Notably, Khalifa’s brother, Mohamed Khalifa, was also sentenced to death and accused of manufacturing and testing the drugs. Her legal team has announced intentions to appeal the verdicts through the Court of Appeal and the Court of Cassation. ## Claims - The Cairo Criminal Court sentenced television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 others to death by hanging. (disputed by 28 sources) - Nine other defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment, and seven others were acquitted. (disputed by 19 sources) - The defendants were part of an organized criminal gang that imported raw materials to manufacture and sell synthetic drugs. (corroborated by 28 sources) - Authorities seized more than 750 kilograms of narcotics and raw materials during the investigation. (corroborated by 27 sources) - Sarah Khalifa has denied all allegations and intends to appeal the ruling. (corroborated by 27 sources) - Authorities also discovered illegal firearms and ammunition during the investigation. (corroborated by 20 sources) - The prosecution used testimony from 20 witnesses and electronic evidence, including videos and messages, to build the case. (corroborated by 16 sources) - The death sentences required a religious opinion from Egypt’s Grand Mufti as part of mandatory legal procedure. (corroborated by 15 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: Sarah Khalifa sentenced to death in Egypt for drug trafficking Egyptian TV presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 others have been sentenced to death for leading a synthetic drug manufacturing and trafficking network in Cairo. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/egyptian-tv-presenter-sarah-khalifa-sentenced-to-death ### 2026-09-07: Sarah Khalifa sentenced to death in Egyptian drug trafficking case Egyptian TV presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 others have been sentenced to death by hanging in Cairo for operating a synthetic drug manufacturing and trafficking ring involving 750kg of narcotics. 43 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/egypt-sentences-tv-presenter-sarah-khalifa-to-death-for-drug-trafficking ### 2026-09-05: Sarah Khalifa sentenced to death in major Egyptian drug trafficking case Egyptian TV presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 others have been sentenced to death by hanging for leading a synthetic drug manufacturing and trafficking ring in Cairo. 157 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cairo-criminal-court-sentences-13-to-death-in-major-drug-trafficking-case --- Cite as: Egyptian TV presenter sentenced to death in drug case. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/egyptian-drug-trafficking-sentencing-of-sarah-khalifa