Jasveen Sangha, a drug dealer known as the “Queen of Ketamine,” was sentenced Wednesday to 15 years in prison for illegally selling the ketamine that killed “Friends” star Matthew Perry in 2023.
Sangha, 42, pleaded guilty last year to five federal charges related to Perry’s death. One of the charges was for managing a drug-related facility, three were for distribution of ketamine, and one was for distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury.
“For years…Sangha operated a large-scale drug trafficking business out of his North Hollywood home,” prosecutors alleged in the sentencing memorandum. “In order to grow her business, (Sangha) marketed herself as an exclusive dealer catering to high-profile clients in Hollywood. (Sangha) worked to expand and profit from drug trafficking, but she knew and ignored the significant harm her actions were causing.”
In October 2023, Sangha and an associate sold 51 vials of ketamine to Perry and gave them to Perry’s personal assistant. The assistant injected Mr. Perry with ketamine at least three times, which caused his death. On October 28, 2023, the “Friends” star was found dead in the jacuzzi of his Los Angeles home. On December 15, an autopsy determined that Perry died from the acute effects of ketamine, and that contributing factors included the effects of buprenorphine, drowning, and coronary artery disease.
Mr. Sangha’s colleague and Mr. Perry’s assistant also pleaded guilty to drug charges and are awaiting sentencing. Two other men who sold ketamine to Perry were also convicted in the case. Salvador Plasencia sold ketamine to Perry, pled guilty to four distribution charges and is serving a 2 1/2 year prison sentence. Mark Chavez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and was sentenced to three years’ probation.
