Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen” by federal prosecutors, received a 15-year prison sentence on April 8 after pleading guilty to a series of drug-related offences. This decision comes in the wake of her involvement in the tragic death of actor Matthew Perry, who was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi on October 28, 2023, at his Los Angeles residence.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/jasveen-sangha-matthew-perry-9325-491780a4fac543f2824bd6f0c7768cb5.jpg)
Sangha’s guilty plea encompassed one charge of maintaining a drug-involved property, three counts concerning the distribution of ketamine, and an additional count involving the distribution of the drug that resulted in death or serious bodily injury. According to prosecutors, Sangha was implicated in a drug distribution chain that led to Perry’s fatal overdose, involving an acquaintance of Perry’s named Erik Fleming, who acted as an intermediary.
During the court proceedings, it emerged that Sangha and Fleming had supplied Perry with a significant quantity of ketamine, reportedly amounting to 51 vials, through Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. On the day of Perry’s death, Iwamasa administered multiple doses of Sangha’s ketamine to the actor. The autopsy revealed that the cause of death was the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning and underlying health issues listed as contributing factors.
Following Perry’s tragic passing, prosecutors alleged that Sangha took steps to distance herself from the incident. A press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office revealed that she contacted Fleming via the Signal messaging app shortly after learning of Perry’s death. In this communication, she reportedly instructed him to delete all messages related to their dealings and adjusted the app’s settings to automatically remove their conversation history.
In court, prosecutors described Sangha’s actions as “cold callousness and disregard for life,” highlighting that she continued her drug distribution activities even after realising that her products had contributed to a fatal overdose. The prosecution’s sentencing memorandum emphasised her indifference, stating, “She chose profits over people, and her actions have caused immense pain to the victims’ families and loved ones.”
In addition to Sangha, four other individuals have pleaded guilty in connection with Perry’s death. This includes both Erik Fleming and Kenneth Iwamasa, as well as medical professionals Mark Chavez and Salvador Plasencia. In a previous court proceeding, Plasencia was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in federal prison, while Chavez received an eight-month home detention sentence followed by three years of supervised release.
Sangha’s sentencing highlights broader concerns over the illicit distribution of drugs and the impact such activities can have on individuals and their families. The case has drawn significant media attention due to Perry’s celebrity status, resulting in a public discourse surrounding substance abuse and the responsibilities of those involved in the drug trade.
For anyone facing challenges related to substance abuse, help is available. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a helpline at 1-800-662-HELP for those seeking support and guidance. As the situation continues to develop, it serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences associated with drug distribution and misuse.