‘Ketamine Queen’ Jailed for 15 Years Over Matthew Perry’s Death
Drug Dealer Sentenced for Supplying Lethal Ketamine
A Los Angeles woman, Jasveen Sangha, notorious as the 'Ketamine Queen', has received a 15-year prison sentence for her involvement in the drug supply chain that resulted in the death of 'Friends' actor Matthew Perry. Sangha, an American-British dual national, admitted her guilt last September to five charges, notably one count of distributing ketamine that led to a fatality or bodily harm.
Prosecutors characterised Sangha's North Hollywood residence as a 'drug-selling emporium', serving a clientele of wealthy and influential individuals with a variety of illicit substances.
Matthew Perry's Tragic Overdose
Matthew Perry, who had a long-standing battle with addiction, was discovered deceased in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home in October 2023. Investigations concluded that his death was caused by the acute effects of ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic with hallucinogenic properties that should only be administered by a qualified physician.
During the sentencing, Sangha expressed remorse, acknowledging that her 'poor decisions' had 'shattered people's lives'. However, the judge highlighted her apparent lack of contrition in the years following her arrest. Debbie Perry, Matthew Perry's stepmother, had previously urged the court to impose the maximum possible sentence, stating that Sangha had caused 'irreversible damage'.
Wider Investigation and Other Convictions
Federal authorities discovered dozens of ketamine vials and thousands of pills, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and Xanax, during a raid on Sangha's property. Her plea agreement also included an admission to selling ketamine to Cody McLaury in August 2019, who subsequently died from an overdose.
Sangha is one of five individuals implicated in supplying ketamine to Matthew Perry, exploiting his addiction. Others who have pleaded guilty include Dr Salvador Plasencia, sentenced to 30 months in prison, and Dr Mark Chavez, who received eight months of home detention for fraudulently obtaining and selling ketamine. Further sentencings are anticipated for Perry's live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, and Eric Fleming, who also sold ketamine to the actor.
