Matthew Perry death investigation, multiple people charged in drug overdose case
Among the five individuals charged in connection with actor Matthew Perry's drug overdose death last year is Jasveen Sangha, infamously known as "the Ketamine Queen." Investigators allege that Ms. Sangha provided the fatal dose of ketamine that led to Perry's death.
A 41-year-old dual British and American citizen, Ms. Sangha has been a focus of federal scrutiny for her alleged role in narcotics distribution. Known as the "Ketamine Queen of Los Angeles," she is accused of operating a large-scale drug business from her North Hollywood home, where she reportedly stored, packaged, and distributed various narcotics. Federal indictments describe her residence as a "drug-selling emporium" stocked with methamphetamine, cocaine, and prescription drugs like Xanax.
Ms. Sangha's operation, active since at least June 2019, came under additional scrutiny following her March arrest for methamphetamine distribution. During a raid, federal agents confiscated 79 bottles of liquid ketamine and nearly 2,000 meth pills, underscoring the extensive nature of her illicit activities.
Matthew Perry, who had long struggled with addiction, was found dead in his home on October 28 last year. His death was attributed to a ketamine overdose. Investigators found that Perry obtained the fatal ketamine through Eric Fleming, who sourced the drug from Ms. Sangha. Court documents reveal that Ms. Sangha provided Fleming with 50 vials of ketamine in two transactions leading up to Perry’s death. It is alleged that Perry first used the drug on October 13, with Fleming delivering additional large quantities on October 14 and October 24. Ms. Sangha reportedly included "ketamine lollipops" as a bonus for Perry's sizable order.
Additionally, the case involves two doctors, Salvador Plascencia and Mark Chavez, Perry's long-time assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, and street dealer Erik Fleming. The indictment reveals that Perry paid thousands of dollars for the ketamine vials, which allegedly cost only $12 each.
Reports indicate that 16 days before Perry’s death, Dr. Plascencia observed Perry experiencing a troubling episode after receiving a large dose of ketamine, which caused him to "freeze up" and elevated his blood pressure. Despite knowing about Perry’s addiction struggles, Plascencia allegedly took advantage of the situation, as reflected in his messages discussing the financial gain from Perry’s drug purchases.