Jasveen Sangha: ‘Ketamine Queen’ agrees to plead guilty in ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry overdose case, could face decades behind bars – Report |
Matthew Perry’s tragic death in 2023 exposed the darker side of Hollywood’s hidden drug culture. Now, Jasveen Sangha — widely known as the “Ketamine Queen” for her lavish lifestyle and ties to celebrities — has admitted to supplying the drugs that led to his death. She now faces the possibility of spending decades behind bars.
Plea Deal and Charges
The 42-year-old American-British dual citizen has agreed to plead guilty to five charges in Los Angeles, including distributing ketamine that resulted in death or serious injury, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Originally facing nine counts, Sangha saw her home described by prosecutors as a “drug-selling emporium” after investigators discovered dozens of ketamine vials during a raid.Matthew Perry was discovered dead in the jacuzzi of his Los Angeles home in October 2023. An autopsy later confirmed that his death was caused by the acute effects of ketamine.
Five accused in Perry’s supply chain
Jasveen Sangha is among five individuals — including doctors and Perry’s own assistant — who, according to U.S. officials, supplied him with ketamine. Prosecutors allege that they took advantage of the actor’s struggles with addiction for financial gain, ultimately leading to his fatal overdose.The group facing charges includes Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Dr. Mark Chavez, who are accused of selling ketamine directly to Perry. Also implicated is Kenneth Iwamasa, the actor’s live-in assistant, who allegedly not only helped purchase the drug but also injected it for him. Eric Fleming is said to have bought ketamine from Sangha and then resold it to Perry.
Court proceedings
All five of the accused have now agreed to plead guilty. Sangha’s trial — which had already faced several delays — was scheduled to begin next month, but the plea agreement has brought that to an end. She is expected to appear in federal court in the coming weeks to formally enter her guilty plea as part of the deal with prosecutors.Her attorney, Mark Geragos, told the BBC that she is taking responsibility for her actions. Sangha will plead guilty to five charges — operating a drug-related premises, three counts of distributing ketamine, and one count of distributing ketamine that caused death or serious injury. According to the Justice Department, she faces a maximum sentence of 65 years in federal prison if convicted.
Hollywood’s Ketamine network
Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects, is only legal when used under medical supervision. Investigators say Sangha had been running an illegal supply network out of her North Hollywood “stash house” since at least 2019. Authorities allege she catered to celebrities and wealthy clients, and during a 2024 raid, they seized more than 80 vials of ketamine along with other drugs such as meth, cocaine, and Xanax.As part of her plea deal, Sangha also admitted to selling ketamine that caused another man’s fatal overdose in 2019. Well known in Hollywood circles, she was often seen at high-profile events and flaunted her lavish lifestyle on social media, showcasing parties and international trips.
