A Los Angeles woman known in court as the ‘Ketamine Queen’ has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for her role in the drug distribution network that led to the overdose death of Friends star Matthew Perry.
Jasveen Sangha, 42, pleaded guilty last September to five charges, including distributing ketamine resulting in death. Federal prosecutors alleged that she operated a high-end drug supply operation from her North Hollywood residence, catering to wealthy and well-connected clients.
Perry, widely recognised for portraying Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends, was found dead in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home in October 2023. Authorities later confirmed that his death was caused by the acute effects of ketamine — a dissociative anaesthetic typically administered under medical supervision.
During sentencing, Sangha broke down in court as members of Perry’s family addressed the judge. While she expressed remorse, admitting her actions had “shattered lives,” the court noted a prolonged lack of accountability since her arrest.
In a powerful victim impact statement, Perry’s stepmother, Debbie Perry, urged the judge to impose the maximum penalty. She described Sangha’s actions as causing “irreversible” harm and criticised her for choosing profit over human life.
Investigators uncovered extensive evidence during a raid on Sangha’s home, including dozens of ketamine vials and thousands of pills containing methamphetamine, cocaine and Xanax. Authorities said she had been operating the illicit supply network since at least 2019.
As part of her plea agreement, Sangha also admitted to selling ketamine in a separate 2019 case that resulted in another fatal overdose. Despite initially denying the charges, she changed her plea weeks before trial.
Sangha was one of five individuals charged in connection with Perry’s death. Prosecutors argued that the group, including medical professionals and associates, exploited the actor’s long-standing struggle with addiction.
Among them, Salvador Plasencia was sentenced to 30 months in prison for supplying ketamine to Perry shortly before his death. Another physician, Mark Chavez, received eight months of home detention and three years of supervised release after admitting to illegally sourcing the drug.
Legal proceedings for the remaining defendants, including Perry’s assistant and an intermediary distributor, are ongoing, as the case continues to underscore the dangers of unregulated drug access — even among the rich and famous.
