Discovery of a Beloved Actor's Body
When Friends star Matthew Perry was discovered dead in a hot tub at his Los Angeles house last year, the first thought was of a sad accident. Not found with any drug paraphernalia or indication of foul play, Perry, known as Chandler Bing on Friends, had been having ketamine infusion treatment for depression. The conditions seemed to point to unintentional drowning. Perry had declared he was at last free despite earlier struggles with addiction.
A Shocking Revelation
But an alarming detail surfaced in a coroner’s report: Perry’s blood had high ketamine levels, like those used in general anaesthesia after surgery. Given that his most recent therapy session was more than a week ago, this degree of ketamine should not have been present.
Uncovering the Underground Network
Following investigations revealed a vast underground ketamine distribution network, efforts at operation cover-up, and even a second fatality connected to the network. Five people—including doctors, Perry’s live-in aide, and an allegedly local drug dealer known as the “Ketamine Queen”—were arrested thanks to the inquiry.
Perry’s aide, Kenneth Iwamasa, admitted guilt of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, causing death. Eric Fleming and Dr. Mark Chavez also came clean about plotting illegal drug distribution. Alleged to have given Perry ketamine, Dr Salvador Plasencia is charged with record falsification. Alleged dealer Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” is accused of nine charges of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution of ketamine resulting in death. She has a not-guilty plea.
Allegations Against the "Ketamine Queen"
Ms. Sangha participates actively in the case. Authorities say she provided the ketamine causing Perry’s death on October 28, 2023. accused of selling Perry 50 vials of ketamine for around $11,000 (£8,550), the 41-year-old’s Prosecutors called her a drug trafficker who knew the possible risks associated with the drugs she sold. According to reports, Ms Sangha’s North Hollywood house was a “drug-selling emporium,” with over 80 vials of ketamine, hundreds of tablets including methamphetamine, cocaine, and Xanax, and a firearm reportedly discovered.
Primarily for high-profile clientele, the house—called in the indictment as the “Sangha Stash House—was used for packaging and distributing narcotics. The indictment states out Ms Sangha “only deals with high-end and celebrities.”
Scaling of the Drug Network
Press conference attendees spoke on the suspected scope of Ms. Sangha’s activities. She was reportedly a “major source of supply for ketamine”, not just for Perry but also for others. Perry sought more ketamine as his addiction grew, which brought him both top sources and street vendors. “These defendants cared more about profiting off of Mr. Perry than caring for his well-being,” it said.
Financial Exploitation
Perry allegedly paid about $2,000 for vials of ketamine valued around $12 each. Between September and October 2023, Perry allegedly bought 20 vials of ketamine from Dr. Plasencia for a total of $55,000. Despite seeing Perry “freeze up” following a high dosage that raised his blood pressure, Dr. Plasencia allegedly gave him additional ketamine. Dr. Plasencia left extra vials behind but allegedly told Iwamasa not to repeat the event.
Cover-Up Attempts and Second Death
Those accused of providing the pills reportedly tried to hide their activities after Perry’s death. Authorities say Ms. Sangha ordered another suspect to “delete all our messages.” Fleming reportedly messaged Ms Sangha asking whether ketamine is “immediately flushed out” from the bloodstream and expressing doubt about the legality of their activities.
Investigators also found that Ms. Sangha had ties to another 2019 overdose fatality. Court records show she knew ketamine might be dangerous after selling Cody McLaury, who later passed away from an overdose, the substance. Said to have contacted Sangha, a family member of McLaury, said, “The ketamine you sold my brother murdered him. It’s recorded as the reason for death. Sangha purportedly Googled shortly afterwards, “Can ketamine be listed as a cause of death?” She will also be charged with this case.
Assistant's Role and Legal Consequences
Discovering Perry’s body, Iwamasa also handled the deadly ketamine dosages. He gave nearly twenty ketamine injections in the four days before Perry’s death, including three on the day he passed, without medical training and scant awareness of restricted drugs. Iwamasa has just entered a guilty plea after being charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, resulting in death and severe bodily damage.
Perry's Legacy and Hope for Change
Regarding his addictive problems, Matthew Perry was open. His 2022 biography chronicled his protracted struggle with drugs and alcohol, including an instance in which co-star Jennifer Aniston confronted him about smelling alcohol on his breath. Perry said he hoped his honesty would help others dealing with comparable difficulties. Established following his death, the Matthew Perry Foundation’s webpage quotes, “When I die, I want to help others to be the first thing that’s mentioned.”
The head of the federal Drug Enforcement Agency said that, as Perry had anticipated, the arrests and disclosures in this well-publicized case would probably help others and avert similar tragedies.
