'Ketamine Queen' to plead guilty in Matthew Perry case: Who is she and how was she involved with the FRIENDS star’s death

In an unforeseen twist to Matthew Perry, the beloved FRIENDS star’s death, a woman, dubbed the ‘Ketamine Queen’, has agreed to a plea deal, federal prosecutors announced.The 42-year-old woman is accused of having distributed the ketamine that killed Matthew Perry in October 2023 and is the fifth and last defendant to have pleaded guilty or agreed to plead guilty in connection with the actor's death.

Notably, this news comes right around the time of what would have been Perry’s 56th birthday (on August 19).

But, who is this ‘Ketamine Queen’?

Popularly known as ‘Ketamine Queen’, Jasveen Sangha is a 42-year-old woman known for running a lavish, underground drug operation from her North Hollywood home. Prosecutors have described her house as a drug-selling emporium, stocked with ketamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, counterfeit Xanax, and more. When agents raided her home in March 2024, they uncovered nearly 79 vials of liquid ketamine, methamphetamine, cocaine, packaging materials, a money-counting machine, and even devices to detect hidden cameras.

She cultivated an image of luxury, complete with glamorous social media posts, even as authorities later revealed her home was a center for high-level drug distribution.

How was she involved in Matthew Perry’s death?

Matthew Perry, best known for playing Chandler on FRIENDS, tragically died on October 28, 2023. In October 2023, Matthew Perry was found unresponsive in his hot tub. An autopsy revealed acute ketamine intoxication, with other contributing factors such as drowning and heart disease.

Investigators determined the ketamine in his system was not from legal medical treatment.According to court records, Sangha and associate Erik Fleming sold 51 vials of ketamine to Matthew Perry in the weeks before his death. The vials were delivered to his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who administered the injections. It was these shots, supplied via Sangha, that ultimately led to Perry’s fatal overdose.

After Perry’s sudden death, Sangha, who reportedly is a dual US-UK citizen, reportedly urged Fleming via encrypted messages to “delete all our messages.”

This led prosecutors to allege that she attempted to cover her tracks immediately following the tragedy.Not just Matthew Perry, Sangha’s involvement extended beyond the FRIENDS star. In 2019, she reportedly sold four vials of ketamine to a man named Cody McLaury, who died hours later from an overdose. Sangha now admits she was responsible for this death as well.

What is ketamine?

Ketamine is a cyclohexanone-derived general anesthetic and NMDA receptor antagonist with analgesic and hallucinogenic properties, used medically for anesthesia, depression, and pain management.

At anesthetic doses, ketamine induces a state of dissociative anesthesia, a trance-like state providing pain relief, sedation, and amnesia. Recreationally, it's often known by street names like "Special K" and can cause users to feel disconnected from their body or environment.When ketamine is abused, especially in high doses or combined with other substances, an overdose can result in alarming physical and mental symptoms:Severe confusion or hallucinationsNausea or vomitingChest pain, irregular heartbeat, or hypertensionParalysis, rigid muscles, or inability to moveSeizures or convulsionsExtreme sedation leading to loss of consciousness or comaRespiratory problems, such as slowed or stopped breathing

At very high doses, users can enter a so-called ‘K-hole’, a deeply dissociative and immobilizing state that can be dangerous if unmanaged.

Overdose can lead to impaired motor function and dangerously high blood pressure. If breathing is compromised, it can result in oxygen deprivation to vital organs. Sedation and confusion increase the risk of falls, drowning, or accidents, especially if the person is unsupervised or near hazards.

What’s next?

Sangha’s plea agreement includes five serious federal charges:Maintaining a drug-involved premisesThree counts of ketamine distributionOne count of ketamine distribution resulting in death or serious bodily injury Sangha is expected to formally plead guilty in the coming weeks, with sentencing scheduled soon after. Depending on how the counts are served, concurrently or consecutively, Sangha faces decades in federal prison. Estimates range from 45 to even 65 years, though the exact sentence will be decided by a judge.Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ketamine overdose involves serious health risks, including respiratory depression, elevated blood pressure, altered mental status, and, in extreme cases, coma or death. If you suspect an overdose or medical emergency, seek immediate help from qualified healthcare providers or emergency services.