In a case that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond, alleged drug dealer Jasveen Sangha, infamously dubbed the “Ketamine Queen” by U.S. prosecutors, now faces a slew of serious charges in connection with the death of beloved Friends star Matthew Perry. Sangha is one of five individuals charged in the case, which alleges that Perry’s tragic overdose in October 2023 was the result of a long-running scheme to exploit his drug addiction for profit.
Sangha, an American-British dual national, has been charged with nine serious offences, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution of ketamine resulting in death. She pleaded not guilty to all charges during a court appearance on Thursday, where she appeared wearing a Nirvana jumper, adding a strange juxtaposition to the gravity of the case. Despite her pleas, U.S. officials denied her bail request, and Sangha will remain in custody until her trial, scheduled for October.
According to the indictment, it was Sangha’s distribution of ketamine on October 24, 2023, that ultimately caused Perry’s death. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic known for its hallucinogenic effects and has been increasingly used in recent years as an alternative treatment for depression, anxiety, and pain. However, when not properly administered under professional supervision, ketamine can be lethal.
Operating out of what prosecutors have described as a “drug-selling emporium” in North Hollywood, Sangha is accused of supplying ketamine to a host of high-profile clients, including Perry. Her home, referred to in court documents as the “Sangha Stash House,” allegedly served as a distribution center for a wide variety of illicit drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, Xanax, and ketamine. Authorities discovered more than 80 vials of ketamine in a recent raid on the residence, along with thousands of pills.
The scale of Sangha’s operation paints a chilling picture. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada, in a news conference, described Sangha as a major player in the Southern California drug scene, allegedly catering specifically to the rich and famous. “She only deal[s] with high end and celebs,” said co-accused Erik Fleming in a statement cited in the indictment. Fleming is also facing charges in connection with the case.
While living a lavish lifestyle, Sangha frequently shared glimpses of her extravagant life on social media, attending high-profile events like the Golden Globes and the Oscars. Her posts depicted luxury trips to destinations like Japan and Mexico, even as her alleged drug empire profited off the suffering of her clients. Authorities believe that the profits from her drug sales funded these high-profile activities, allowing Sangha to continue her life in the fast lane.
Prosecutors allege that Sangha began supplying ketamine to Perry after fellow defendant Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who was aware of Perry’s interest in the drug, introduced her to his live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. Dr. Plasencia allegedly sourced the ketamine from Dr. Mark Chavez, another defendant in the case, who had previously operated a ketamine clinic. Prosecutors say that Dr. Plasencia even taught Iwamasa how to inject the ketamine into Perry.
The indictment further claims that Sangha knowingly provided large doses of ketamine, fully aware of the potential deadly consequences. On the day of Perry’s death, Sangha allegedly supplied Iwamasa with ketamine that led to the actor’s overdose. “These defendants cared more about profiting off of Mr. Perry than caring for his well-being,” U.S. Attorney Estrada said in his statement.
Matthew Perry’s death is not the only tragic case linked to Sangha. Authorities uncovered an earlier connection to another overdose death, this time in 2019. Court documents reveal that Sangha allegedly supplied ketamine to a customer named Cody McLaury, who also tragically died from an overdose after purchasing the drug.
A chilling text message exchange between McLaury’s family and Sangha further highlights her alleged disregard for the lives of her clients. “The ketamine you sold my brother killed him. It’s listed as the cause of death,” one of McLaury’s family members reportedly texted her after his passing. Disturbingly, Sangha reportedly responded by Googling the question: “Can ketamine be listed as a cause of death?” just days after receiving the text.
The revelation of this earlier death further strengthens the case against Sangha. U.S. authorities have stated that she will face additional charges related to McLaury’s death.
If convicted on all charges related to Perry’s case, Sangha could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The charges represent a stark contrast to the glamorous life Sangha presented to the world via her social media accounts. The trial will be closely watched, given the high-profile nature of the case and the shocking details that have emerged about her alleged drug operation.
The investigation into Perry’s death was treated with the utmost seriousness from the outset, with the Los Angeles Police Department, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service working in tandem to uncover the full scope of the illegal operation.
This is not the first time law enforcement has pursued criminal charges against individuals who supplied drugs that led to high-profile deaths. For instance, following Michael Jackson’s death in 2009, his private physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for providing the singer with a fatal combination of drugs. Similarly, federal prosecutors charged four men who supplied fentanyl-laced heroin that led to the death of actor Michael K. Williams in 2021.
The pursuit of justice in these cases underscores a growing trend in U.S. law enforcement to hold drug suppliers accountable, especially when their actions result in the deaths of individuals battling addiction.
Perry’s death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with his Friends co-stars releasing a joint statement expressing their devastation. “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just castmates. We are a family,” they wrote.
As more details emerge about the circumstances of Perry’s death and the alleged actions of Jasveen Sangha and her co-conspirators, fans and colleagues alike are left grappling with the devastating reality that Perry’s struggles with addiction, which he so candidly shared with the world, were exploited by those who sought only profit.
The tragic death of Matthew Perry, coupled with the charges against Jasveen Sangha, has brought renewed attention to the darker side of Hollywood — one where fame and addiction collide, often with fatal consequences. As the trial approaches, many will be watching closely, not only for justice for Perry but also to see whether this case can serve as a warning to others who prey on vulnerable individuals struggling with addiction.
Sangha’s story may have begun in the glamorous circles of Hollywood, but it will now unfold in the courtrooms where her fate, and the search for accountability, will be determined.
