In a shocking development connected to the tragic death of Friends star Matthew Perry, a woman known as the “Ketamine Queen” has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges related to selling the powerful drug that led to the actor’s fatal overdose.
Who is Jasveen Sangha?
Jasveen Sangha, 42, a dual American-British citizen, is at the center of a sweeping investigation into an illegal ketamine distribution network. According to the US Department of Justice, Sangha will plead guilty to five serious charges, including distributing ketamine that resulted in death or serious bodily injury.
She originally faced nine counts, but federal prosecutors have now reached a plea deal with her. If convicted, she faces up to 65 years in federal prison.
Linked to Matthew Perry’s Death
Matthew Perry, beloved for his role as Chandler Bing in the hit sitcom Friends, was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home in October 2023. An autopsy later revealed his cause of death as the “acute effects of ketamine.”
Investigators say Sangha was part of a group of five individuals who provided the drug to Perry. These included two doctors, the actor’s personal assistant, and another dealer who reportedly got his supply from Sangha. Authorities say they exploited Perry’s long-standing struggle with addiction for profit.
The Network Behind the Drug
The other individuals charged in connection with Perry’s overdose are:
- Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Dr. Mark Chavez, both accused of illegally selling ketamine
- Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s assistant who allegedly helped inject the drug
- Eric Fleming, who sold ketamine acquired from Sangha to Perry
All five have now agreed to plead guilty. Sangha is expected to appear in federal court in the coming weeks to formally enter her plea.
Her lawyer, Mark Geragos, confirmed to the BBC that “she’s taking responsibility for her actions.”
The “Stash House” and Hollywood Ties
Sangha wasn’t just involved in small-scale drug deals. Authorities claim her North Hollywood home was a full-blown “drug-selling emporium,” nicknamed the “Sangha Stash House” in federal documents.
When federal agents raided the property in March 2024, they reportedly found more than 80 vials of ketamine and thousands of pills, including meth, cocaine, and Xanax.
Investigators believe she had been operating this illegal drug hub since at least 2019, with many of her clients being wealthy individuals and celebrities. She also faces a separate charge for selling ketamine to a man named Cody McLaury in 2019, who died hours later from an overdose.
Sangha’s social life appeared to reflect Hollywood glam. Reports say she mingled with celebrities and attended major red carpet events like the Golden Globes and Oscars. Her social media accounts showed a lifestyle full of luxury — from exclusive parties to vacations in Japan and Mexico.
What is Ketamine and Why is it Dangerous?
Ketamine is a powerful dissociative anaesthetic used in medical and veterinary settings. It has hallucinogenic effects and can cause users to feel detached from reality. Because of these properties, it’s sometimes misused recreationally.
The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) warns that ketamine use must be closely monitored by healthcare professionals, as it can be extremely harmful or even deadly when abused.
In Perry’s case, investigators say he had been using the drug for years and acquired it from multiple sources — highlighting what one expert called the “wild west” of Hollywood’s ketamine scene.
What’s Next for Sangha?
Sangha’s criminal trial had already been postponed multiple times and was due to begin next month. Instead, she will now avoid a lengthy trial by pleading guilty.
If convicted on all five counts under the plea deal, she could spend decades behind bars.
The Justice Department hopes this case sends a strong message about illegal drug distribution — especially when it comes to substances like ketamine that have become increasingly misused in celebrity circles.
Matthew Perry’s tragic death has not only broken the hearts of fans but also pulled back the curtain on a dangerous drug scene that many say has gone unchecked for too long.