A woman from Los Angeles, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” recently pleaded guilty in connection with the tragic overdose of actor Matthew Perry. Jasveen Sangha, 42, admitted to multiple drug charges, including distributing ketamine, a powerful anesthetic. She faces up to 65 years in prison and is set to be sentenced on December 10.
Matthew Perry, best remembered for his role as Chandler Bing in “Friends,” was found dead in his home in October 2023. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled his death an accidental overdose of ketamine. This drug has become increasingly popular as an unregulated treatment for depression, though its safety can be questionable, especially in unsupervised settings.
In the months leading up to his death, Perry had been receiving ketamine therapy for his depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, his dependence on the drug grew as he sought unsupervised dosages, leading to a fatal situation. Reports revealed that the level of ketamine in his system was equivalent to what is typically used for general anesthesia.
Prosecutors claim Sangha and her associate, Erik Fleming, were involved in the distribution of ketamine to Perry, supplying him with 51 vials in the month before his passing. His personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, allegedly administered multiple doses, including three on the day Perry died.
After hearing the news of Perry’s death, Sangha reportedly urged Fleming to delete all their messages, highlighting a concern for self-preservation amid the unfolding tragedy.
Fleming and Iwamasa also pleaded guilty to related charges, emphasizing a network of involvement that led to Perry’s overdose. Experts say that the rise of unregulated treatments, like ketamine for mental health issues, raises significant concerns about safety and accountability for both patients and providers.
This case shines a light on the dangers of self-medication and the importance of seeking help from licensed professionals. As substances like ketamine become more common in treatment strategies, it’s crucial that their use is approached with caution to prevent further tragedies.
For more on the dangers of unregulated drug treatments, you can read about the importance of safe practices from reputable sources like the National Institute on Drug Abuse.