The Egyptian TV presenter Sarah Khalifa, 39 years old, was sentenced to death by hanging for manufacturing and trafficking of drugs. The Cairo court also sentenced 11 other people involved in the scheme for the same crime. The conviction was based on charges of forming an organized crime gang specialized in acquiring materials to manufacture narcotics, for the purpose of trafficking them, as well as possession and carrying of weapons and ammunition without a license.
Authorities seized over 750 kg of narcotics and raw materials during the operation, found in two apartments used as a laboratory. According to the newspaper Akhbar el-Yom, the defendants not only manufactured the synthetic drugs, but also imported the necessary materials from abroad.
Sarah Khalifa is known in Egypt for the police program "Mission Impossible," which addresses security issues and crimes. In addition to her career in television, she owns a cosmetic surgery clinic and a production company. The case drew attention precisely because of the contrast between the public image of the presenter, who discussed security issues on her program, and the crime for which she was convicted.
