Matthew Perry death case: ‘Ketamine Queen’ Jasveen Sangha to plead guilty in court

A Los Angeles drug dealer known on the streets as the “Ketamine Queen” is set to plead guilty to charges that link her directly to the 2023 death of Friends star Matthew Perry. Court documents show that 42-year-old Jasveen Sangha admitted to supplying the fatal dose of the powerful anesthetic that caused the actor’s overdose.

Guilty Plea and Possible Sentencing

Federal prosecutors confirmed that Sangha reached a plea deal last month, agreeing to admit to five felony counts connected to Perry’s death. These include one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of illegal distribution of ketamine, and one count specifically tied to providing the dose that killed Perry.

As part of the agreement, Sangha acknowledged that she had operated what prosecutors described as a “stash house” in North Hollywood, where she stored, packaged, and distributed narcotics since at least 2019. The Justice Department revealed that she supplied 51 vials of ketamine to an intermediary, Erik Fleming, 55, who then passed the drugs to Perry through the actor’s personal assistant, 60-year-old Kenneth Iwamasa.

Sangha, a dual U.S.-British citizen, faces a maximum prison sentence of 65 years. She is the last of five individuals charged in the case to enter a guilty plea. Her co-defendants—two doctors, Perry’s assistant, and Fleming—have also pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

How Matthew Perry Died

Perry, beloved worldwide for his role as Chandler Bing in the 1990s sitcom Friends, was discovered unresponsive in his hot tub on October 28, 2023. He was 54. The medical examiner ruled his death the result of “acute effects of ketamine,” which caused him to lose consciousness and drown.

The tragedy came after Perry had been candid in his later years about his decades-long battle with addiction. In his 2022 memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, he detailed his struggles with alcohol and prescription drugs, while also reflecting on his recovery efforts.

Broader Implications

Prosecutors say Sangha’s guilty plea highlights the dangers of the illegal ketamine trade, which has expanded in recent years as the drug gained mainstream attention for its clinical use in treating depression and anxiety. While ketamine is legally available under medical supervision, black-market distribution has been linked to growing numbers of overdoses and misuse.

For Perry’s fans, the case underscores the devastating impact of addiction and the continued risks faced by those in recovery. For Sangha, her plea marks the end of a legal battle but could begin a lengthy prison term.

The sentencing dates for Sangha and her co-defendants are expected to be scheduled in the coming months.