An Egyptian court has sentenced a well-known television presenter, Sarah Khalifa, 39, and 11 others to death for their involvement in a large-scale drug trafficking operation. The case, reported by state-linked media, includes charges of forming an organized criminal group specializing in acquiring materials used to manufacture narcotics, with the intent to traffic them. The court also found the defendants guilty of possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The verdict was reached after consulting the Grand Mufti of Egypt, a required step under Egyptian law for capital punishment cases. The sentence is not yet final and can be appealed. Khalifa is best known for hosting the television program Mission Impossible, which focused on security and crime-related topics. In addition to her media career, she owns a cosmetic surgery clinic and a production company that organizes parties and events. According to reports, the defendants were accused of manufacturing synthetic drugs by importing raw materials from abroad. Authorities reportedly seized over 750 kilograms of narcotics and other materials, along with two apartments used as laboratories. They also found unlicensed weapons and ammunition. In a separate case, Khalifa and others were sentenced to five years in prison for the kidnapping and assault of a young man. Egypt’s legal system applies the death penalty for crimes such as premeditated murder, terrorism, certain rape offenses, and drug trafficking. The Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms reported that 541 death sentences were issued in Egypt in 2025, highlighting the continued use of capital punishment in the country.