LA 'Ketamine Queen' sentenced to 15 years in prison

Jasveen Sangha convicted of large-scale drug trafficking operation

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:06am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small plastic bag containing a white crystalline powder, conceptually representing the dangerous drugs at the center of a major drug trafficking case.The conviction of a major drug trafficker highlights the ongoing battle against synthetic opioids and other dangerous substances fueling the nationwide overdose crisis.Los Angeles Today

Jasveen Sangha, a Los Angeles resident known as the 'Ketamine Queen', has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for her role in a large-scale drug trafficking operation involving the distribution of the powerful anesthetic ketamine.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing opioid crisis and the rise of synthetic drugs like ketamine that have become increasingly prevalent in urban areas, leading to overdoses and other public health concerns. Sangha's conviction is part of a broader crackdown on major drug dealers fueling the epidemic.

The details

Prosecutors said Sangha was the leader of a drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of ketamine, a Schedule III controlled substance, across Southern California. She was arrested in 2025 following a lengthy investigation by federal and local law enforcement agencies.

  • Sangha was arrested in April 2025 following a multi-year investigation.
  • On April 8, 2026, Sangha was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.

The players

Jasveen Sangha

A Los Angeles resident known as the 'Ketamine Queen' who was the leader of a large-scale drug trafficking operation distributing ketamine across Southern California.

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What they’re saying

“Jasveen Sangha was the kingpin of a major drug trafficking organization that flooded our communities with dangerous and addictive substances. This significant sentence reflects the seriousness of her crimes and our commitment to holding drug dealers accountable.”

— U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California

What’s next

Federal prosecutors have indicated they will continue to aggressively target major drug trafficking organizations as part of the ongoing effort to combat the opioid crisis.

The takeaway

This case underscores the grave public health threat posed by the proliferation of synthetic drugs like ketamine, which have become increasingly prevalent in many urban areas. Combating large-scale drug trafficking operations remains a top priority for law enforcement.