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

Ketamine Queen Sentenced to 15 Years for Matthew Perry Overdose

A 42-year-old Los Angeles resident, Jasveen Sangha, has received a 15-year prison term for her role in the fatal drug overdose of actor Matthew Perry. The American-British dual-national pleaded guilty in September to five charges, one of which involved distributing ketamine that contributed to a death or severe harm. Her North Hollywood residence was labeled a “drug-selling emporium” by prosecutors, who noted she sold various substances to affluent and influential clients.

Perry, famed for his portrayal of Chandler Bing in the 1990s sitcom Friends, died in October 2023 after being discovered unconscious in his hot tub. Investigators linked his death to the immediate effects of ketamine. The drug, primarily used as a dissociative anesthetic, also possesses hallucinogenic properties and is typically administered under medical supervision. Sangha’s plea included acknowledgment of her role in supplying ketamine to Cody McLaury, whose overdose death occurred in August 2019.

During the sentencing, Sangha expressed regret, stating her choices had ruined lives and left her deeply ashamed. Debbie Perry, Perry’s stepmother, urged the judge for the maximum possible penalty in a victim impact statement. “You caused this… You who had the business acumen to generate profit chose the path that harms others,” she said. The judge emphasized Sangha’s lack of remorse, noting her opportunity to address the court.

A federal raid uncovered dozens of ketamine vials at Sangha’s home, along with thousands of pills containing methamphetamine, cocaine, and Xanax. She initially denied the charges but switched her plea in August, just before her trial began. Her legal team argued for a lenient sentence, citing her acceptance of responsibility and no prior criminal history. Sangha has been in custody since August 2024.

Other individuals tied to Perry’s ketamine supply chain were also sentenced. Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who provided the actor with ketamine in the weeks before his death, received a 30-month term in December. Dr. Mark Chavez, a California physician who sold ketamine to Perry, faced eight months of home detention and three years of supervised release. Eric Fleming, who obtained ketamine from Sangha and sold it to Perry, is set for sentencing in June. Perry’s live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, will be addressed later this month, with his legal team seeking a delay.

“You caused this… You who has talent for business enough to make money chose the one way that hurts people,” said Debbie Perry in her victim impact statement.