Egypt sentences 12 foreign nationals to death over drug importation, smuggling

CAIRO – 27 December 2025:  The Cairo Criminal Court, presided over by Judge Hassan Farid, has decided to refer the case files of 12 foreign defendants to the Grand Mufti of Egypt for his religious opinion regarding the potential issuance of death sentences. The defendants face charges related to the importation and smuggling of narcotics.

The court scheduled January 18 as the date for delivering its verdict, pending receipt of the Grand Mufti’s opinion, which is advisory.

The Public Prosecution referred the defendants to the Criminal Court after charging them with illegally importing and smuggling narcotics into the country. Investigations revealed that the case involves 12 defendants, nine of whom are currently in custody, while three remain at large. All defendants are foreign nationals.