An Egyptian court has sentenced television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 others to death for allegedly manufacturing and trafficking narcotics, state-linked media reported on Saturday.

Khalifa, 39, is known for hosting “Mission Impossible,” a television programme focused on security and crime. She also owns a plastic surgery clinic and a production company specialising in parties and events.

Al-Ahram reported that a Cairo court convicted the defendants of forming an organised criminal group to obtain materials used in manufacturing narcotics for trafficking, as well as possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

The court’s ruling followed consultation with Egypt’s Grand Mufti, whose opinion is required in capital cases. The verdict can still be appealed.

According to Akhbar Al-Youm, prosecutors accused the group of manufacturing synthetic drugs for distribution using raw materials allegedly imported from abroad.

Authorities seized more than 750 kilograms of narcotics and raw materials, according to Al-Ahram. Investigators also reportedly found two apartments being used as drug laboratories, along with unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

In a separate case, the court sentenced Khalifa and other defendants to five years in prison for the kidnapping and assault of a young man.

Egypt imposes the death penalty for offences including premeditated murder, terrorism, certain rape cases and drug trafficking.

The Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms said 541 death sentences were handed down in Egypt in 2025.