An Egyptian television personality with a large public following was sentenced Saturday to death by hanging in a sweeping narcotics case centered on an alleged organized network accused of producing and trafficking synthetic drugs.
Sarah Khalifa was one of 12 defendants ordered to face execution over accusations tied to the operation, including the alleged importation of materials used in drug manufacturing, according to Egypt’s state-backed Ahram Online. In civilian cases in Egypt, death sentences are carried out by hanging.
Khalifa is known as a media figure, beauty clinic owner and former TV presenter who has appeared across multiple Egyptian channels. The local news outlet Masrawy reported that she previously hosted the Egyptian crime program “Mission Impossible.”
Khalifa, who has amassed more than 2.5 million followers on Instagram, was reportedly taken into custody in Cairo in April 2025 as authorities pursued the investigation.
Sara Khalifa has more than 2.5 million Instagram followers. She was arrested in Cairo in April 2025. (@sara_khaliifa/Instagram)
The case involved a total of 28 defendants who were charged with forming an organized criminal group, as well as possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition, Ahram Online said. Twelve were sentenced to death, nine received life sentences and seven were acquitted of all charges.
The media personality and beauty clinic owner was among 12 defendants handed death sentences in Egypt. (@sara_khaliifa/Instagram)
The group allegedly operated like a production and distribution network, with members assigned different roles. Some were responsible for importing raw materials, while others manufactured and distributed the synthetic drugs, the prosecution said, according to reports.
The group was also accused of storing materials and manufacturing drugs in a residential property.
More than 750 kilograms, or roughly 1,653 pounds, of synthetic narcotics and raw materials were seized during the investigation, prosecutors said, according to reports.
The case against Khalifa and the other defendants relied on statements from 20 witnesses, along with technical and digital evidence, including messages, photographs and videos that prosecutors said documented the alleged criminal activity, according to Ahram Online.
Khalifa was one of 12 defendants sentenced to death in a case involving alleged drug manufacturing, trafficking and firearms violations. (@sara_khaliifa/Instagram)
Authorities also placed the defendants’ assets and bank accounts under precautionary measures and ordered those already in custody to remain detained, Ahram Online reported.