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 4:56am

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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 death 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 Perry and another victim.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing opioid crisis and the devastating impact of drug trafficking, particularly involving powerful substances like ketamine. It also raises questions about accountability for those who knowingly provide drugs that lead to fatal overdoses.

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.

  • In August 2024, Sangha was arrested in connection with Perry's fatal overdose.
  • In 2023, Sangha provided the ketamine that killed Matthew Perry.
  • In August 2019, Sangha sold ketamine that contributed to the overdose death of Cody McLaury.

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 in the television show 'Friends,' who died from a ketamine overdose in October 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 Matthew Perry.

Kenneth Iwamasa

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

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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 in Los Angeles on April 8. The other individuals charged in connection with Perry's death, including the other dealer, Perry's assistant, and two doctors, are also set to be sentenced in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This case highlights the devastating impact of the opioid crisis and the need for stronger accountability and rehabilitation efforts for those involved in drug trafficking, especially when their actions lead to fatal overdoses. It also underscores the importance of addressing the root causes and systemic issues that contribute to substance abuse and overdose deaths.