‘Ketamine Queen’ sentenced to 15 years in Matthew Perry overdose death

Ketamine Queen’ sentenced to 15 years in Matthew Perry overdose death

Jasveen Sangha, a 42-year-old Los Angeles resident known as the ‘Ketamine Queen,’ received a 15-year prison sentence for her role in the fatal drug overdose of Matthew Perry, the iconic Friends actor. She admitted guilt in September 2023 to five charges, including the distribution of ketamine that contributed to his death or injury.

Perry’s struggle with addiction

Matthew Perry, famous for his portrayal of the sharp-tongued Chandler Bing in the 1990s US sitcom Friends, had battled substance use for years. His body was discovered in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home in October 2023, with investigators linking his demise to the toxic effects of ketamine.

Drug-selling operation

Prosecutors called the American-British dual-national’s North Hollywood residence a ‘drug-selling emporium,’ where a variety of substances were sold to affluent and influential customers. Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic properties, was meant for medical use but became a key player in Perry’s fatal overdose.

Sangha expressed remorse during court proceedings as Perry’s family spoke. Despite this, the judge emphasized her lack of regret, stating she had the chance to explain her actions and acknowledged her poor choices had devastated lives.

“You caused this… You who has talent for business enough to make money chose the one way that hurts people,”

Debbie Perry, Matthew Perry’s stepmother, told the California court in a victim impact statement. She urged the judge to impose the harshest penalty, arguing that Sangha’s actions would continue to harm others if not fully addressed.

Federal agents uncovered dozens of ketamine vials during a search of Sangha’s home, accusing her of supplying the drug from a stash house in North Hollywood since 2019. The raid also revealed thousands of pills containing methamphetamine, cocaine, and Xanax.

Sangha initially denied charges but changed her plea in August 2023, just before her trial. As part of the agreement, she admitted to selling ketamine to Cody McLaury in August 2019, who died from an overdose shortly after. She could have faced up to 65 years in federal prison.

Her legal team argued for a lighter sentence, citing her acceptance of responsibility and no prior criminal history. Meanwhile, several supporters submitted letters requesting leniency, highlighting her character.

Other suppliers in the case

Sangha is among five individuals—medical professionals and Perry’s assistant—who were connected to his overdose. Four others had already pled guilty, with Dr Salvador Plasencia receiving a 30-month sentence in December. Dr Mark Chavez, a California doctor, was given eight months of home detention and three years of supervision. He had distributed ketamine through a fraudulent prescription to Plasencia, who supplied it to Perry.

Perry’s live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, is set for sentencing later this month, though his legal team has requested a delay. Eric Fleming, who sold ketamine from Sangha to Perry, will face judgment in June.

With additional reporting by Regan Morris and Peter Bowes