The Cairo Criminal Court, convening in New Cairo, heard the defense arguments of Defendant No. 19 in the widely publicized Sara Khalifa case, involving 28 defendants accused of forming an organized criminal group to import materials used in manufacturing illegal drugs for trafficking, as well as possessing firearms and ammunition without a license.

Defense Challenges Referral Order

Constitutional Argument

The defense requested the acquittal of the defendant, arguing that the referral order was invalid based on a ruling by Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court declaring the legal basis for listing the seized substances unconstitutional.

Arrest Order Dispute

The defense also challenged the legality of the arrest and summons order, claiming it was issued contrary to the facts and only after the defendant had already been arrested.

Denial of Possession

According to the defense, the defendant neither possessed nor had knowledge of the seized substances, asserting that the evidence relates to other defendants in the case.

Objections to Investigation Report

The defense argued that the investigation report dated April 30, 2025, contradicts statements made during the prosecution's investigation and highlighted inconsistencies between the investigation report and the referral order.

No Criminal Organization

The defense denied that the defendant participated in forming or joining a criminal organization or intended to traffic narcotics, emphasizing that the case file contains no evidence identifying any criminal role played by the defendant.

The defense concluded by requesting a full acquittal, arguing there was no evidence of aiding, agreement, or incitement in any criminal activity.

Prosecution's Charges

The Public Prosecution accuses Sara Khalifa and 27 other defendants of establishing an organized criminal network to import raw materials for manufacturing synthetic drugs for trafficking, in addition to possessing illegal firearms and ammunition.

Investigators stated that the defendants allegedly divided responsibilities among themselves, including importing raw materials, manufacturing narcotics, and distributing them from a residential property used as a storage and production site.

Authorities also reported seizing more than 750 kilograms of narcotics and precursor materials, freezing the defendants' assets and bank accounts, and referring the case to the Criminal Court.

What did the defense request?

The defense requested a full acquittal and challenged the legality of the referral and arrest orders.

Why was the referral order challenged?

The defense relied on a Supreme Constitutional Court ruling regarding the legal basis for classifying the seized substances.

What charges do the defendants face?

They are accused of forming an organized criminal group, manufacturing and trafficking narcotics, and possessing illegal firearms.

How much was seized?

Authorities reported seizing more than 750 kilograms of narcotics and precursor materials.

What actions were taken by prosecutors?

Authorities froze the defendants' assets and referred the case to the Cairo Criminal Court.