Death of Matthew Perry: “Ketamine Queen” sentenced to 15 years in prison
According to the CinemaDrame news agency, Jasveen Sangha, a drug trafficker known by the nickname “Ketamine Queen,” was sentenced on Wednesday to 15 years in prison for illegally selling ketamine that led to the death of Friends star Matthew Perry in 2023.
The 42-year-old Sangha pleaded guilty last year to five federal charges related to Perry’s death, including maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of distributing ketamine, and one count of distributing ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury.
In a sentencing memorandum, prosecutors stated: “Over the years, Sangha operated an extensive drug trafficking network from her residence in North Hollywood. In expanding her operations, she presented herself as a high-end dealer catering to Hollywood clientele. While seeking growth and profit, she was aware of the serious harm caused by her actions but ignored it.”
In October 2023, Sangha and one of her associates sold 51 vials of ketamine to Perry, which were later delivered to his personal assistant. The assistant administered ketamine to Perry at least three times, ultimately leading to the actor’s death. On October 28, 2023, Perry’s body was found in the jacuzzi of his Los Angeles home. On December 15, the autopsy report concluded that the cause of death was the acute effects of ketamine, with contributing factors including buprenorphine, drowning, and coronary artery disease.
Sangha’s accomplice, as well as Perry’s assistant, have also pleaded guilty to drug-related charges and are awaiting sentencing. Two other men involved in supplying ketamine to Perry have also been convicted in the case. Salvador Plasencia was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of distribution, while Mark Chavez received a three-year suspended sentence after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
