Drug trafficker referred to as the 'Ketamine Queen' admits to selling a lethal dose of the drug to Matthew Perry in court.
In a dramatic turn of events, Jasveen Sangha, also known as the "Ketamine Queen," has pleaded guilty to providing the late Matthew Perry with ketamine that led to his tragic death. Sangha's plea comes as the final defendant charged in Perry's overdose case to admit guilt.
Sangha, who has been in federal custody for about a year, faced five federal charges, including maintaining a drug-involved premises, distribution of ketamine, and distribution of ketamine resulting in death. Prosecutors agreed to drop three counts related to the distribution of ketamine and one count of distribution of methamphetamine unrelated to the Perry case.
The investigation into Perry's death had Sangha and Dr. Salvador Plasencia as its primary targets. It was revealed that Perry, who struggled with addiction for many years, dating back to his time on "Friends," had been using ketamine, legally prescribed by his doctor for depression, but sought more and found it through Sangha.
Perry purchased large amounts of ketamine from Sangha, including 25 vials for $6,000 in cash four days before his death. His assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, found him dead in his Los Angeles home. The medical examiner determined that ketamine was the primary cause of Perry's death.
Sangha's trial was planned to start later this month, but she made a plea deal on Aug. 18, 2023. As part of the agreement, Sangha pleaded guilty to privately dealing ketamine to high-class customers, including Perry's friend, Fleming, who recommended Sangha's ketamine to Perry's assistant, stating she deals only with high-end and celebrities.
Prosecutors claimed that on the day of Perry's death, Sangha suggested to Fleming they delete all their messages. Three other defendants, Dr. Mark Chavez, Kenneth Iwamasa, and Erik Fleming, pleaded guilty in exchange for their cooperation, which included statements implicating Sangha and Plasencia.
Perry's mother, Suzanne Perry, and his stepfather, Keith Morrison, were present during Sangha's plea. Sangha is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 10, 2023, and could face up to 65 years in prison. The judge is not bound to follow any terms of the plea agreement, but prosecutors will ask for less than the maximum.
Sangha, on Instagram, portrayed a posh lifestyle with photos of herself with the rich and famous. However, her actions have led to a tragic end for Matthew Perry and a potential long imprisonment for herself. The exact details on the final verdict and sentence are not publicly confirmed at this time.
