'Ketamine Queen' sentenced to 15 years in Matthew Perry overdose death

April 8, 2026

Jasveen Sangha, a 42-year-old dual American-British citizen known as the "Ketamine Queen," received a 15-year prison sentence for distributing ketamine that contributed to actor Matthew Perry's fatal overdose in October 2023. Operating what prosecutors called a "drug-selling emporium" from her North Hollywood home, Sangha supplied ketamine and other substances to affluent clients and had previously sold ketamine to another man who died from an overdose in 2019. Though she initially denied wrongdoing, Sangha changed her plea to guilty in August 2024, just before her trial was set to begin, avoiding a potential maximum sentence of 65 years.

Who is affected

Matthew Perry (deceased Friends actor)
Jasveen Sangha (sentenced defendant)
Perry's family, including stepmother Debbie Perry
Cody McLaury (previous ketamine overdose victim linked to Sangha)
Dr. Salvador Plasencia (co-defendant, already sentenced)
Dr. Mark Chavez (co-defendant, already sentenced)
Kenneth Iwamasa (Perry's assistant, awaiting sentencing)
Eric Fleming (co-defendant, awaiting sentencing)
Sangha's wealthy and well-connected drug clients
Sangha's family and friends

What action is being taken

Jasveen Sangha is being sentenced to 15 years in prison and has been detained since August 2024.

Why it matters

This case highlights the deadly consequences of illegal drug distribution networks that exploit vulnerable individuals struggling with addiction, particularly celebrities and wealthy clients. The prosecution of multiple parties involved in Perry's death, including licensed medical professionals, demonstrates authorities' commitment to holding accountable those who profit from substance abuse rather than providing legitimate medical care. The case also underscores the dangers of ketamine misuse outside supervised medical settings and serves as a warning about underground drug operations targeting affluent communities.

What's next

Kenneth Iwamasa (Perry's live-in assistant) is scheduled to be sentenced later this month, though his legal team has requested a postponement
Eric Fleming is scheduled to be sentenced in June

Read full article from source: BBC