Ketamine Queen Charged in Matthew Perry's Overdose Death

Prosecutors seek harsh sentence to deter drug dealers as case highlights accountability for facilitating fatal overdoses.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:12am

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An extreme close-up of a small plastic bag containing white powder, dramatically lit by a harsh flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the dangerous world of illegal drug dealing.The harsh reality of the underground drug trade is exposed in this stark image, a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of the opioid crisis.Los Angeles Today

The tragic overdose death of beloved TV star Matthew Perry has shone a spotlight on the issue of drug dealer accountability. Prosecutors have charged Jasveen Sangha, known as the 'Ketamine Queen,' for supplying the drugs that led to Perry's death, as well as the overdose of another victim, Cody McLaury. This high-profile case is seen as a warning to drug dealers and a shift in tactics in the war on drugs, with authorities increasingly targeting traffickers and dealers.

Why it matters

The Perry case highlights the devastating human cost of drug abuse and the role that dealers play in facilitating it. It also raises deeper questions about the psychology and motivations of drug dealers like Sangha, who prosecutors say were driven by a desire for glamour and access rather than financial need. These cases serve as powerful deterrents, sending a clear message to those involved in the drug trade.

The details

Prosecutors argue that Sangha, who catered to an exclusive A-list clientele, supplied the ketamine that led to Perry's fatal overdose in 2023. The investigation also uncovered an underground network of doctors and drug suppliers, revealing the complex web of individuals involved in the distribution of illegal substances. The case of Cody McLaury, who died of a ketamine overdose in 2019, has a haunting connection, as Sangha was identified as a common link between the two victims.

  • Matthew Perry died of an overdose in 2023.
  • Cody McLaury died of a ketamine overdose in 2019.
  • Jasveen Sangha, the 'Ketamine Queen,' is currently facing sentencing for her role in the overdose deaths.

The players

Matthew Perry

A beloved TV star who died of a drug overdose in 2023.

Jasveen Sangha

Also known as the 'Ketamine Queen,' Sangha is a drug dealer who catered to an exclusive A-list clientele and is charged with supplying the drugs that led to Matthew Perry's and Cody McLaury's overdose deaths.

Cody McLaury

An aspiring personal trainer who died of a ketamine overdose in 2019, with Sangha identified as a common link between the two victims.

Andrew Pickett

A lead trial attorney who emphasizes the importance of high-profile cases like Perry's in sending a clear message to those involved in the drug trade.

Estrada

A federal prosecutor who highlighted how Perry's relapse in 2023 led to the defendants taking advantage of his vulnerability for their profit.

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What they’re saying

“These cases shed light on the broader implications of the drug crisis and act as a warning to those operating on the fringes of legality.”

— Andrew Pickett, Lead Trial Attorney

“For cartels and fentanyl dealers, profit is the primary motive, even if it means a customer's death.”

— LAPD Detective

What’s next

As Jasveen Sangha faces sentencing, the question of accountability and punishment will be a critical juncture in the ongoing battle against drug abuse. The outcome of this case will set a precedent and send a message to other dealers.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling drug abuse, involving not only law enforcement but also education, prevention, and support for those struggling with addiction. The visibility of such high-profile cases can educate the public about the risks and consequences, potentially reducing demand and the market for illegal substances.