“Ketamine Queen” admits guilt: 45 years in prison possible for dealer who supplied Matthew Perry
According to CinemaDrame News Agency, a woman known as the “Ketamine Queen” pleaded guilty on Monday to supplying the fatal ketamine that killed Friends star Matthew Perry, and now faces up to nearly half a century behind bars. Jasveen Sanga is the fifth and final defendant in the overdose case and has reached a plea deal with federal prosecutors to avoid trial by admitting guilt.
Sanga has been charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute narcotics, one count of maintaining a drug premises, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute ketamine, and five counts of ketamine distribution. Prosecutors said she will formally enter her guilty plea at the next hearing, when a sentencing date will also be set. She could receive up to 45 years in prison.
Sanga and Dr. Salvador Plasencia—who admitted guilt on June 16, 2024—were the primary targets of the investigation. Three others, Dr. Mark Chavez, Kent Iwamasa, and Eric Fleming, testified last year against Sanga and Plasencia.
Perry drowned in the hot tub at his home on October 28, 2023. The coroner determined ketamine—typically used as a surgical anesthetic—was the main cause of death.
Prosecutors say Perry was receiving ketamine legally through his doctor as a treatment for depression. About a month before his death, he contacted Plasencia for doses beyond what was prescribed, and two weeks before his death, he turned to Sanga.
Perry and Iwamasa had been introduced to Sanga through Fleming. Court documents reveal that Fleming told Iwamasa Sanga’s ketamine was “unlabeled but incredible” and that she “only deals with high-level people and celebrities.”
Perry purchased 25 vials for $6,000 from Sanga, a buy that prosecutors say ultimately killed him. On the day of Perry’s death, Sanga allegedly told Fleming to delete all messages exchanged between her and Perry.
In March 2024, Sanga’s North Hollywood home was raided by DEA agents, who discovered large quantities of methamphetamine and ketamine. She was arrested in August. Sentences for the defendants have not yet been announced.
Perry had spoken openly in his memoir about his long struggles with alcohol and drug addiction.
