Prosecutors seek 15-year sentence for 'Ketamine Queen' in Matthew Perry's overdose death

Jasveen Sangha admitted to providing the ketamine that killed the 'Friends' actor in 2023

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:56am

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Federal prosecutors are seeking a 15-year prison sentence for Jasveen Sangha, a woman known as the 'Ketamine Queen,' who admitted to providing the ketamine that killed actor Matthew Perry in 2023. Sangha pleaded guilty last year to charges related to Perry's fatal overdose and another overdose death. Prosecutors say Sangha ran a 'high-volume drug trafficking business' and continued to sell 'dangerous drugs' even after learning she sold ketamine that contributed to the deaths of two people.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing opioid crisis and the devastating impact of illicit drug distribution, especially involving powerful substances like ketamine. It also raises questions about accountability for drug dealers whose actions lead to overdose deaths, as well as the role of enablers and those who facilitate drug use, such as Perry's personal assistant.

The details

Sangha pleaded guilty to one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of distribution of ketamine, and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury. She admitted to working with another dealer to provide Perry with dozens of vials of ketamine in the weeks before his death in October 2023, including the ketamine that killed him. Sangha also admitted to selling ketamine that contributed to the overdose death of Cody McLaury in August 2019.

  • Sangha was arrested in August 2024 in connection with Perry's fatal overdose.
  • Sangha pleaded guilty last year to the charges.
  • Sangha is scheduled to be sentenced on April 8, 2026.
  • Perry died in October 2023.
  • McLaury died in August 2019 after Sangha sold him four vials of ketamine.

The players

Jasveen Sangha

A woman known as the 'Ketamine Queen' who admitted to providing the ketamine that killed actor Matthew Perry.

Matthew Perry

The 54-year-old actor known for his role on the television show 'Friends' who died from a ketamine overdose in 2023.

Cody McLaury

A victim who died hours after Sangha sold him four vials of ketamine in August 2019.

Erik Fleming

Another dealer who worked with Sangha to distribute ketamine to Perry.

Kenneth Iwamasa

Perry's live-in personal assistant who repeatedly injected him with the ketamine supplied by Sangha and Fleming.

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What they’re saying

“She has maintained sustained and exemplary sobriety, and actively engaged in recovery-oriented and rehabilitative programming while in custody, and has tremendously strong family and community support to facilitate successful reentry and reduce the risk of recidivism.”

— Mark Geragos and Alexandra Kazarian, Sangha's attorneys

What’s next

Sangha is scheduled to be sentenced on April 8, 2026. The other individuals charged in connection with Perry's death, including the other dealer, Perry's assistant, and two doctors, are also scheduled to be sentenced in the coming months.

The takeaway

This case underscores the devastating human toll of the opioid crisis and the need for stronger accountability and rehabilitation efforts to address the root causes of drug trafficking and overdose deaths. It also highlights the complex web of enablers and co-conspirators involved in these types of cases.