Jasveen Sangha, known in the media as the “Ketamine Queen,” was charged in connection with the death of actor Matthew Perry. Sangha is a businesswoman who ran a company specializing in ketamine therapy, which is sometimes used to treat mental health conditions like depression.
Perry, who was found dead in October 2023, reportedly had a history of substance abuse issues, and ketamine was among the substances that were part of the investigation into his death. Sangha’s involvement in the case centers around her business practices and the role her company may have played in Perry’s death.
Details about the charges and the specific allegations against Sangha are still unfolding, but the case has drawn significant media attention due to Perry’s high profile and the controversial nature of ketamine as a treatment option.
Who is the ‘Ketamine Queen’?
The alleged “Ketamine Queen” is Jasveen Sangha, who has been linked to a controversial case involving the death of actor Matthew Perry. Sangha is known for her involvement in the ketamine therapy industry, where ketamine is used off-label for treating mental health issues. She reportedly ran a business offering such treatments.
Sangha’s name gained prominence due to the investigation into Perry’s death, which included scrutiny of various substances he may have been using. The case has highlighted issues around the use of ketamine and raised questions about the regulatory practices in the industry.
Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the “Ketamine Queen,” is facing serious allegations related to the death of actor Matthew Perry. Prosecutors accuse her of supplying the ketamine that led to Perry’s overdose death in October 2023.
Sangha is alleged to have operated a drug distribution operation out of a North Hollywood property known as the “Sangha Stash House” since at least 2019. During a recent police search of the property, authorities discovered a significant cache of illegal substances, including about 79 vials of ketamine, approximately 1.4 kilograms of pills containing methamphetamine, cocaine, and prescription drugs that appeared to be fraudulently obtained. US Attorney Martin Estrada described the scene as a “drug selling emporium,” highlighting the scale and severity of the alleged operation.
Prosecutors argue that Jasveen Sangha should have been aware of the risks associated with ketamine, particularly in light of a previous incident involving another overdose. In 2019, Sangha allegedly sold ketamine to Cody McLaury, who subsequently died of a ketamine overdose just hours later. Following McLaury’s death, investigators claim that Sangha conducted an online search for “can ketamine be listed as a cause of death,” which they suggest indicates her awareness of the potential dangers.
Despite this, it is alleged that Sangha continued to sell ketamine after McLaury’s death. The ongoing investigation and charges against Sangha reflect concerns about her responsibility and the broader implications of her actions in relation to the tragic outcomes involving her customers.
Jasveen Sangha has been charged with several serious offenses:
- Conspiracy to distribute ketamine
- Maintaining a drug-involved premises
- Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
- Possession with intent to distribute ketamine
- Five counts of distribution of ketamine
If convicted, she faces a potential life sentence in prison. These charges reflect the gravity of the allegations against her, particularly given the significant impact of her alleged drug distribution activities.
Who else has been charged?
Kenneth Iwamasa, who was Matthew Perry’s live-in assistant at the time of the actor’s death, is facing significant legal trouble. The 59-year-old is accused of conspiring to distribute the ketamine that led to Perry’s death. Authorities allege that Iwamasa acquired ketamine from Salvador Plasencia in September 2023 and subsequently obtained the drug from Jasveen Sangha in October 2023.
Iwamasa has admitted to repeatedly injecting Perry with ketamine without any medical training, including multiple times on the day of Perry’s death, October 28, 2023. On August 7 of this year, Iwamasa pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a licensed doctor, is implicated in the case surrounding Matthew Perry’s death. According to the indictment, Dr. Plasencia learned in September 2023 that Perry was interested in obtaining ketamine. He allegedly contacted Mark Chavez, a former ketamine clinic operator, to source the drug for Perry.
Court documents detail that Dr. Plasencia, who is accused of distributing ketamine to Perry and his assistant Kenneth Iwamasa on at least seven occasions, discussed pricing and the sale of the drug through text messages, including a comment questioning how much Perry would pay. Dr. Plasencia is also accused of teaching Iwamasa how to inject Perry with ketamine, providing the drug for self-administration, and personally injecting Perry without proper monitoring.
Authorities claim that despite knowing Perry’s addiction was worsening, Dr. Plasencia continued to sell ketamine to Iwamasa. Additionally, Dr. Plasencia allegedly provided altered and falsified medical records in response to a legal request during the federal investigation, which purportedly showed a legitimate treatment plan for Perry.
When did Matthew Perry die?
Kenneth Iwamasa discovered Matthew Perry’s body in his hot tub at his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. Notably, Perry’s last Instagram photo, posted just five days before his death, depicted him in a pool, reflecting his enjoyment of swimming.
