By Emmanuel Bobby
A Los Angeles woman who admitted to illegally supplying ketamine linked to the death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Jasveen Sangha, known among her clients as the “Ketamine Queen,” pleaded guilty last year to multiple federal charges connected to Perry’s 2023 overdose. She has remained in federal custody since her arrest in August 2024.
Prosecutors Describe “Callous” Conduct
Federal prosecutors had sought a 15-year sentence, arguing that Sangha knowingly distributed dangerous drugs with little regard for the consequences. In court filings, they portrayed her as a dealer driven by profit, even after becoming aware of the harm caused by her actions.
According to prosecutors, Sangha continued selling ketamine after learning it had contributed to Perry’s death. They described her behavior as demonstrating “cold callousness and disregard for life,” emphasizing the devastating impact on victims and their families.
Her defense attorneys, however, argued for leniency, stating that she had accepted responsibility for her actions and urging the court to impose a shorter sentence equivalent to time already served. The judge ultimately sided with prosecutors, imposing the full 15-year term.
Matthew Perry’s Final Days
Matthew Perry, 54, was found unresponsive in the heated section of his swimming pool at his Pacific Palisades home on October 28, 2023. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later ruled his death an accidental overdose of ketamine. The drug, a powerful anesthetic with hallucinogenic properties, has increasingly been used in recent years as an off-label treatment for depression and anxiety.
Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom “Friends,” had long been open about his struggles with addiction. In his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, he detailed decades of substance abuse and recovery efforts.
In the months leading up to his death, Perry had been undergoing medically supervised ketamine infusion therapy. However, prosecutors said he began seeking additional doses outside clinical supervision, leading to a dangerous escalation in use.
Drug Distribution Network
Court documents revealed that Sangha worked with Erik Fleming to supply ketamine to Perry. In the weeks before his death, they allegedly sold him dozens of vials of the drug.
The substances were delivered to Perry through his live-in personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who admitted to administering multiple injections. Prosecutors said Iwamasa gave Perry several doses in the days leading up to his death, including at least three injections on the day he died.
After news of Perry’s death broke, Sangha allegedly attempted to cover her tracks. Prosecutors said she contacted Fleming through an encrypted messaging app and instructed him to delete their communications.
Co-Defendants Await Sentencing
Fleming and Iwamasa both pleaded guilty to federal charges in August 2024 and are scheduled to be sentenced later this month.
Their roles in the case have drawn particular scrutiny, as prosecutors argue they enabled Perry’s access to dangerous quantities of ketamine despite clear warning signs of dependency.
Broader Criminal Activity
Sangha also admitted to running a drug distribution operation out of her North Hollywood home for several years. According to prosecutors, she used the residence to store, package, and sell narcotics, including ketamine and methamphetamine, dating back to at least 2019.
In addition to Perry’s case, Sangha acknowledged selling ketamine in a separate 2019 incident involving another individual, identified as Cody McLaury, who died hours after purchasing the drug.
A Case That Highlights Growing Concerns
The sentencing brings a measure of legal closure to a case that has drawn widespread attention, not only because of Perry’s celebrity status but also due to broader concerns about the misuse of ketamine.
While the drug has legitimate medical applications, its increasing availability outside regulated settings has raised alarms among health officials and law enforcement. The case underscores the risks associated with unsupervised use and the dangers posed by illicit distribution networks.
For many, the outcome serves as both accountability and a warning—highlighting the potentially fatal consequences when powerful substances are misused and supplied without oversight.