A woman known as the “Ketamine Queen,” accused of selling the fatal dose of ketamine that killed actor Matthew Perry, has agreed to plead guilty, federal prosecutors confirmed Monday.
Jasveen Sangha, 42, is the fifth and final defendant charged in connection with the Friends star’s overdose death to strike a deal with prosecutors, avoiding a trial that had been set for September. She has agreed to plead guilty to five federal charges, including distribution of ketamine resulting in death, prosecutors said.
Sangha, who holds U.S. and U.K. citizenship, built a reputation as a prolific Los Angeles drug dealer and was widely known among clients as the “Ketamine Queen.” Prosecutors leaned on the nickname throughout their case, even using it in official filings.
Under the plea agreement, Sangha admitted to distributing ketamine – including selling vials to both Perry and other buyers. She previously provided four vials to a man named Cody McLaury, who died from an overdose in 2019, though he had no connection to Perry.
In exchange for her plea, prosecutors will drop three other ketamine distribution counts and one methamphetamine charge unrelated to Perry’s case. Still, Sangha faces up to 45 years in federal prison when she is sentenced.
Her attorney, Mark Geragos, told CNN: “She’s taking responsibility for her actions.”
How the case unfolded
Matthew Perry, best known for playing Chandler Bing on Friends, was found dead at his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. A medical examiner determined that ketamine was the primary cause of death.
Perry, 54, had been receiving ketamine treatments legally through his doctor as an experimental therapy for depression. But prosecutors say he began seeking additional supplies, turning first to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, and later to Sangha, who sold him 25 vials for $6,000 in cash just days before his death.
Court documents show Sangha’s ketamine was described by intermediaries as “amazing” and “high-end,” often marketed to celebrities. On the day of Perry’s death, Sangha allegedly urged associates to delete incriminating text messages.
Sangha’s home was raided in March 2024 by DEA agents, who found large amounts of ketamine and methamphetamines. She was indicted in June, arrested in August, and has remained in custody since.
Others charged in the case
Four other defendants, including Dr. Plasencia, Dr. Mark Chavez, Perry’s assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, and friend Erik Fleming, have all reached plea deals in exchange for cooperation. None have been sentenced yet.
Perry’s death marked a tragic end to the life of one of television’s most beloved comedic actors. He had spoken openly about his struggles with addiction, dating back to his time on Friends (1994–2004), when he starred alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer.
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