Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” admitted to selling the drugs that caused Matthew Perry’s death. The 42-year-old dual U.S.-U.K. citizen pleaded guilty in Los Angeles to five charges, including distribution of ketamine that resulted in death. Her guilty plea comes after months of high-profile court proceedings that revealed the dark side of Hollywood’s drug scene.
A Life of Excess Behind Closed Doors
Sangha ran a drug operation from her North Hollywood home. Prosecutors described the property as a “drug-selling emporium.” Police found more than 80 vials of ketamine along with methamphetamine, cocaine, and Xanax. She also owned money-counting machines and other equipment linked to large-scale drug dealing.
Outside of her illicit activities, Sangha showcased a glamorous lifestyle. She attended events like the Golden Globes and the Oscars and posted lavish trips to Japan and Mexico on social media. Friends described her as someone who mixed with celebrities and moved in elite circles, but her public image masked a dangerous business.
Matthew Perry’s Tragic Overdose
Matthew Perry, best known as Chandler Bing from Friends, died in October 2023. He was found in the jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home. Authorities confirmed ketamine caused his death, although coronary issues and drowning also contributed. Perry had legally used ketamine for depression, but he sought extra supplies. He bought at least 25 vials from Sangha, paying thousands of dollars.
On the day of his death, Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, injected him with multiple doses of ketamine supplied by Sangha. These injections directly contributed to his overdose. The revelations shocked fans worldwide and ignited discussions about substance abuse in Hollywood.
A Web of Criminal Activity
Sangha initially denied any wrongdoing. She instructed accomplices to delete messages and mislead investigators. But in August 2025, just weeks before her trial, she changed her plea and admitted her role. She also confessed to selling ketamine to another man, Cody McLaury, in 2019. McLaury died hours later from an overdose.
The case also involved four others connected to Perry’s death. Two doctors, Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez, illegally supplied ketamine to Perry. Erik Fleming acted as an intermediary between Sangha and Perry’s assistant. All four have pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in the coming months.
Hollywood’s Dark Side Exposed
The investigation highlighted the dangers of ketamine misuse and Hollywood’s role in perpetuating it. Experts described the market for ketamine in entertainment circles as chaotic and poorly regulated. The public responded with outrage. Fans mourned Perry while demanding accountability for those who exploited him.
Authorities warned that ketamine can distort perception, cause hallucinations, and lead to life-threatening situations when used improperly. It is meant to be administered only by trained medical professionals under close supervision. Sangha’s illegal distribution bypassed these safeguards, putting high-profile clients at extreme risk.
Sentencing Looms
Sangha faces up to 65 years in federal prison. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 10, 2025. Observers expect the court to send a strong message about the consequences of profiting from others’ addictions.
The case also serves as a cautionary tale for the entertainment industry. It exposes the pressures and temptations that can lead stars to dangerous choices. For the public, it reinforces the need for stricter drug oversight and greater accountability for those who supply controlled substances.
A Tragic Legacy
Matthew Perry’s death left fans devastated. Social media overflowed with tributes, as people reflected on his humor, talent, and humanity. The court proceedings have kept his story in the spotlight, emphasizing both the perils of substance abuse and the moral responsibility of those who sell dangerous drugs.
As the sentencing approaches, the world waits to see justice served. Sangha’s case is a stark reminder that behind Hollywood’s glitz lies a network of risk, and even the most beloved stars are not immune to its dangers.
