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15-year sentence handed down in Matthew Perry ketamine case
A Los Angeles woman known as the "Ketamine Queen" has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for supplying the drug that led to the death of Friends actor Matthew Perry in October 2023.
Guilty plea and courtroom emotion
Jasveen Sangha, 42, pleaded guilty in September to five federal charges, including distributing ketamine resulting in death. Prosecutors described her North Hollywood residence as a "drug-selling emporium" catering to affluent clients.
During sentencing, Sangha wept as Perry's family addressed the court. The judge noted her lack of remorse in the years following her arrest but acknowledged her statement of shame and regret for the harm caused.
"You caused this... You chose the one way that hurts people. Please give this heartless woman the maximum prison sentence so she won't be able to hurt other families like ours."
Debbie Perry, Matthew Perry's stepmother, in a victim impact statement
Federal investigation and drug operation
Federal authorities raided Sangha's home in 2024, seizing dozens of ketamine vials and thousands of pills, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and Xanax. Prosecutors alleged she had operated the North Hollywood "stash house" since at least 2019.
As part of her plea deal, Sangha admitted to selling ketamine to Cody McLaury in 2019, who died of an overdose hours later. She faced a maximum sentence of 65 years but has been detained since August 2024.
Broader case against Perry's suppliers
Sangha is one of five individuals-including doctors and Perry's assistant-charged with supplying ketamine to the actor, who had long battled addiction. Officials accused them of exploiting his struggles for profit.
In December, Dr. Salvador Plasencia received a 30-month prison sentence for supplying Perry with ketamine before his death. Dr. Mark Chavez, who fraudulently obtained the drug, was sentenced to eight months of home detention. Perry's assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, is scheduled for sentencing later this month, while Eric Fleming, another supplier, will face court in June.
Perry's struggle and ketamine's risks
Perry, renowned for his role as Chandler Bing in Friends, had used ketamine under medical supervision to treat depression. The dissociative anesthetic, which has hallucinogenic effects, is legally administered only by physicians.
His death was ruled an accidental overdose caused by the acute effects of ketamine, found in his system after he was discovered in his Los Angeles home's hot tub.
