“Ketamine Queen” Charged in Matthew Perry’s Overdose Death: A Closer Look at the Case

Jasveen Sangha Faces Life in Prison Amid Shocking Allegations of Drug Dealing and Multiple Overdose Deaths

Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the “Ketamine Queen” of Los Angeles, appeared in federal court shackled, pleading not guilty to charges related to the ketamine overdose that claimed the life of “Friends” star Matthew Perry last year. Sangha, 41, is one of five individuals implicated in the actor’s death, and prosecutors have painted a grim picture of her alleged involvement in the illicit drug trade.

During her arraignment, Sangha’s attorney requested her release on bond, but the judge refused, citing her “unrelenting return to drug dealing” even after Perry’s death. The judge also highlighted her alleged connection to two overdose fatalities, including Perry’s and another individual in 2019.

Sangha, who holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Great Britain, allegedly supplied Perry with a batch of ketamine that led to his fatal overdose. According to U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada, Sangha sold 50 vials of the drug for around $11,000, working alongside Perry’s assistant and another associate to distribute the ketamine to the actor.

The case against Sangha intensified when a search of her home revealed a “drug-selling emporium,” complete with various illegal substances, scales, and ledgers. The indictment also revealed that Sangha was aware of the dangers of ketamine, as she allegedly sold the drug to a man who died from an overdose just hours later in 2019.

Sangha now faces the possibility of life in prison, with her next court appearance scheduled for October 15. The shocking details of the case have drawn widespread attention, raising serious concerns about the darker side of Hollywood’s drug culture.

The death of Matthew Perry: A timeline of how events unfolded

• • Late September 2023: Defendant Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 42, of Santa Monica allegedly learned that Perry was interested in obtaining ketamine, according to the indictment.

• Sept. 30, 2023: Plasencia contacted another physician, Dr. Mark Chavez, 54, of San Diego, for help obtaining ketamine. The indictment says Chavez agreed and the two doctors met in Costa Mesa that day for the purchase. (Chavez has already agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and admitted selling the drug to Plasencia.) That same day, Plasencia allegedly went to Perry’s home in Los Angeles and injected him with ketamine and left behind at least one vial of ketamine and multiple syringes.

• Oct. 2, 2023: Plasencia allegedly returned to Perry’s residence and injected him with more ketamine, as well as selling him additional supplies.

• Oct. 4, 2023: Chavez allegedly sold more ketamine to Plasencia, who traveled to Perry’s home and sold more to him.

• Oct. 10, 2023: After the two arranged another transaction, Plasencia told Chavez he had just injected Perry with more ketamine while sitting in a car parked in a lot in Long Beach.

• Oct. 12, 2023: Plasencia allegedly administered more ketamine to Perry, causing his blood pressure to spike and making him physically freeze up, unable to speak or move.

• Oct. 13, 2023: Chavez reveals that he is under investigation by the California Board of Medicine over ketamine lozenges prescribed in another patient’s name that were missing from Chavez’s clinic. Chavez was allegedly using the other patient’s name to obtain supplies that were eventually provided to Perry.

• Oct. 28, 2023: Perry dies, after he is found unresponsive in his hot tub. His death is later termed an accident, related to ingestion of ketamine with drowning a contributing factor. After hearing the news, Chavez allegedly called Plasencia that same day to discuss whether the ketamine they provided may have caused Perry’s death.

• Nov. 3, 2023: Perry’s private funeral is held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, attended by his “Friends” costars as well as family and other friends.

• Dec. 15, 2023: The coroner says Perry died from the acute effect of ketamine. Listed as contributing factors were drowning, coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects.

• Aug. 15, 2024: Charges announced against five people including Jasveen Sangha in connection with Perry’s death. Three have already agreed to plead guilty to federal drug charges.