Jasveen Sangha, infamously known as the “Ketamine Queen,” pleaded guilty on September 3, 2025, to federal charges for selling the ketamine that caused the overdose death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry, finalizing the guilty pleas of all five defendants in the case.
In a Los Angeles federal courtroom, Sangha, wearing tan jail attire, stood before Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett and pleaded guilty to five counts, including distribution of ketamine resulting in death. Her trial, which was scheduled to begin later this month, was avoided through this plea agreement, negotiated after robust discussions between prosecutors and her defense attorney, Mark Geragos. She admitted to providing the drug that led to Perry’s fatal overdose in October 2023, with sentencing set for December 10, where she could face up to 65 years in prison.
Matthew Perry, 54, was found dead in his home’s jacuzzi on October 28, 2023, with the coroner’s report attributing his death to the acute effects of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic often misused for its hallucinogenic properties. Perry had a long history of addiction, dating back to his time on the beloved sitcom “Friends,” where he played Chandler Bing for ten seasons, becoming one of television’s most recognizable faces and struggling publicly with substance abuse issues.
The investigation into Perry’s death uncovered a complex network involving medical professionals and associates. Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Dr. Mark Chavez, both physicians, pleaded guilty to supplying ketamine, while Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s assistant, admitted to helping purchase and inject the drug. Erik Fleming acted as a middleman, connecting Perry to Sangha, and all co-defendants have agreed to plead guilty, with sentencing scheduled for November and December.
Sangha, a 42-year-old dual citizen of the U.S. and U.K., was described by prosecutors as operating a “stash house” in North Hollywood since at least 2019, where authorities found over 80 vials of ketamine and other drugs like methamphetamine and Xanax during a raid. Her clientele included celebrities, and she often socialized in high-profile circles, as evidenced by her Instagram posts from events like the Oscars, presenting a posh lifestyle that masked her drug-dealing activities.
Perry had been using ketamine under a doctor’s care for depression treatment, an off-label use that has gained popularity, but he sought additional supplies beyond medically advised limits. His search led him to Sangha approximately two weeks before his death through Fleming, who messaged Perry’s assistant, touting Sangha’s ketamine as “amazing” and exclusive to elite clients, highlighting the exploitation of his addiction for profit.
The case sheds light on the misuse of ketamine in entertainment industries, with authorities describing the trade as the “wild west” and emphasizing the dangers of unregulated distribution. Sangha also pleaded guilty to selling ketamine to Cody McLaury in 2019, who died from an overdose unrelated to Perry, demonstrating a pattern of behavior that extended beyond this high-profile case.
With all defendants having pleaded guilty, the legal focus now shifts to sentencing, where Sangha could receive a substantial prison term. Her attorney has indicated plans to present mitigating evidence, arguing that others involved bear significant responsibility, while Perry’s family, including his mother and stepfather, attended court proceedings, bringing attention to issues of addiction and accountability in celebrity circles.