Jasveen Sangha, 'Ketamine Queen,' Sentenced to 15 Years for Role in Matthew Perry's Death

The drug dealer pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the Friends actor's 2023 overdose.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:27am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single vial of clear liquid against a pitch-black background, the harsh lighting creating dramatic shadows and textures that convey the serious, investigative nature of this crime-related story.A stark visual representation of the deadly substance at the heart of a high-profile overdose case, exposing the grim realities of the opioid crisis.Los Angeles Today

Jasveen Sangha, a Los Angeles drug dealer known as the 'Ketamine Queen,' was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Wednesday for her role in the 2023 overdose death of Friends actor Matthew Perry. Sangha pleaded guilty last year to federal charges, including distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury. Prosecutors said Perry's assistant bought 50 vials of ketamine from Sangha, and one of those vials caused Perry's accidental death at age 54.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing opioid crisis and the devastating impact of drug addiction, even among high-profile celebrities. It also raises questions about accountability for drug dealers whose substances lead to fatal overdoses.

The details

Sangha was one of five co-defendants charged in the case, which also involved Perry's acquaintance Erik Fleming, his assistant Matthew Iwamasa, and two doctors, Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez. All of the co-defendants pleaded guilty. Plasencia and Chavez have already been sentenced, while Fleming and Iwamasa are awaiting sentencing.

  • On October 28, 2023, Matthew Perry was found dead in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home.
  • An autopsy showed Perry's death was caused by 'the acute effects of ketamine' with contributing factors of drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine.
  • Jasveen Sangha was sentenced on April 8, 2026.

The players

Jasveen Sangha

A Los Angeles drug dealer known as the 'Ketamine Queen' who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for her role in the overdose death of Matthew Perry.

Matthew Perry

The Friends actor who died in 2023 at the age of 54 from an accidental ketamine overdose.

Matthew Iwamasa

Perry's assistant who bought the ketamine from Sangha on Perry's behalf.

Erik Fleming

An acquaintance of Perry's who was also charged in the case.

Salvador Plasencia

One of the doctors charged in the case, who has already been sentenced.

Mark Chavez

The other doctor charged in the case, who has also been sentenced.

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What they’re saying

“I feel bad for you. I don't hate you. You are a drug dealer, and there are a lot of drug dealers out there. The fact is you supplied an addict.”

— Keith Morrison, Matthew Perry's stepfather

“The pain you've caused to hundreds, maybe thousands, is irreversible. There is no joy to be found, no light in the window. They won't be back.”

— Debbie Perry, Matthew Perry's stepmother

What’s next

The remaining co-defendants, Erik Fleming and Matthew Iwamasa, are still awaiting sentencing.

The takeaway

This case underscores the devastating human toll of the opioid crisis, even among high-profile individuals struggling with addiction. It highlights the need for greater accountability and prevention efforts to address the root causes of drug abuse and overdose deaths.