'Ketamine Queen' Charged in Matthew Perry's Death

Matthew Perry at the Whitehouse in 2012. Photo courtesy of Office of National Drug Control Policy. Public domain.

The tragic death of actor Matthew Perry has taken a dramatic turn with the recent arrest of Jasveen Sangha, a California woman infamously dubbed the "Ketamine Queen" by prosecutors. Perry, known for his role as "Chandler Bing" on the hit TV show "Friends," died from a ketamine overdose in October 2023, and Sangha stands accused of supplying the fatal drug. This high-profile case has thrust the 41-year-old alleged drug dealer and her supposed empire into the media spotlight.

A Glimpse Into Sangha's Past

Long before her alleged involvement in Perry's death, Sangha was already known to law enforcement for drug-related activities. Nicknamed the "Ketamine Queen" due to her reputation for dealing ketamine — a powerful anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects — Sangha had established herself as a supplier in Los Angeles' drug scene. Raised in California, she attended Calabasas High School and later graduated from the University of California, Irvine, and the Hult International Business School in London, where she earned an MBA.

Sangha's life took a dark turn as her alleged drug dealings began to escalate. Federal prosecutors claim that Sangha had transformed her North Hollywood home into a "stash house," packed with ketamine, methamphetamine, and other illegal substances.

The Connection to Matthew Perry

Perry's tragic death unfolded in his Pacific Palisades home, where he was found unresponsive in a pool on Oct. 28, 2023. According to officials, his death was the result of an acute overdose of ketamine, a drug he reportedly obtained from Sangha through an intermediary named Eric Fleming. This middleman connected Perry's assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, to Sangha, who allegedly supplied vials of ketamine over several transactions, ultimately leading to Perry's overdose.

Court documents allege that Sangha sold around 50 vials of ketamine to Perry's assistant for cash payments totaling approximately $17,000. Perry was reportedly injected with multiple doses of the drug daily leading up to his death, creating a situation that prosecutors argue was bound to end tragically.

What Charges Is Sangha Facing?

Sangha now faces multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine, maintaining drug-involved premises, and distribution of ketamine resulting in death. These charges could lead to a sentence ranging from 10 years to life if she is convicted. Sangha pleaded not guilty and was denied bail after the judge deemed her a flight risk, citing her history and the severity of the charges.

This case isn't her first brush with the law, either. In March 2023, Sangha was arrested on separate drug charges, and according to court records, she was out on $100,000 bond when she was charged in connection with Perry's death.

Sangha's 'Drug Emporium'

Federal prosecutors have described Sangha's residence as a "drug-selling emporium." During a search of her home after Perry's death, investigators reportedly found 79 vials of ketamine, along with other illicit substances like methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms, and cocaine. Authorities also discovered video files on Sangha's phone, allegedly showing her "cooking" ketamine into a powder form — a process that transforms the drug into a more potent, easily consumed format.

Sangha's involvement in drug distribution reportedly dates back to at least 2019. Prosecutors claim she continued her operations despite knowing ketamine's risks. In one notable incident, a customer allegedly died of a ketamine overdose shortly after purchasing the drug from Sangha, prompting a concerned relative to inform her of the death. Following this incident, she reportedly searched online to see if ketamine could indeed cause fatal overdoses.

What Happens Next?

Sangha's arrest and the charges against her underscore the dangers of unregulated drug distribution, especially when involving powerful substances like ketamine. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case sheds light on the tragic intersection of addiction, mental health, and the illicit drug trade.

This high-stakes trial may see Sangha facing severe consequences if convicted, especially given her past record and the high-profile nature of Perry's case. For now, Sangha remains in custody, awaiting trial, and the world waits to see how this tragic chapter in Matthew Perry's life will conclude in the courts.

References: Officials say the 'Ketamine Queen' and her 'drug-selling emporium' led to Matthew Perry's death | Who is Jasveen Sangha? The 'Ketamine Queen' charged in Matthew Perry’s overdose death