A woman known as the “Ketamine Queen” has agreed to plead guilty to charges linked to the death of actor Matthew Perry. Jasveen Sangha, 42, is set to face five charges in Los Angeles, including one for distributing ketamine that resulted in bodily injury or death, according to the Justice Department.
Initially, Sangha faced nine charges. Prosecutors described her home as a “drug-selling emporium,” filled with dozens of ketamine vials found during a police raid.
Perry was discovered dead in his Los Angeles home’s jacuzzi in October 2023. An autopsy revealed that ketamine played a significant role in his death. He struggled with addiction, and officials stated that Sangha, along with others, took advantage of his condition.
Included in this group of five are two doctors, Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez, who sold ketamine, and Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s assistant who injected him with the drug. Eric Fleming also sold ketamine sourced from Sangha. All five individuals have agreed to plead guilty.
Sangha’s plea is expected soon, as her trial was delayed several times and is now set to begin next month. Her attorney, Mark Geragos, mentioned she is accepting responsibility for her actions. If convicted, she could face up to 60 years in federal prison.
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that can lead to hallucinations and a feeling of disconnection from reality. It’s typically administered by a physician and requires monitoring due to its potential dangers.
Perry’s death shook Hollywood and highlighted a troubling trend in the industry—easy access to substances like ketamine. One doctor called the situation a “wild west” of drug use in Hollywood. Investigators claim Sangha has been supplying ketamine from her North Hollywood home since at least 2019, targeting a clientele that includes celebrities. During a search prior to her arrest, over 80 vials of ketamine, along with methamphetamine, cocaine, and Xanax, were discovered.
Sangha socialized with famous personalities, attending events like the Golden Globes and Oscars. Her social media showcased an extravagant lifestyle, often filled with parties and international trips.
This case reflects a larger issue: how addiction can intertwine with the glamorous yet dangerous lifestyle of Hollywood, leading to tragic consequences. As we learn more about these connections, it’s clear that addressing substance abuse in celebrities not only impacts individuals but also sends ripples through the entire community.
For more on the implications of drug abuse in Hollywood, you can check out this CDC report.
