Jasveen Sangha, the 'Ketamine Queen,' Sentenced to 15 Years for Role in Matthew Perry's Drug-Related Death

Jasveen Sangha, a 42-year-old woman who has come to be known in legal circles as the 'Ketamine Queen,' has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for her role in supplying illegal drugs that directly contributed to the death of actor Matthew Perry in 2023. The sentencing, delivered by District Judge Sherilyn Garnett on Wednesday, marks a significant moment in a case that has drawn national attention for its intersection of celebrity, addiction, and the murky world of illicit drug distribution.

Sangha, who appeared in court wearing beige prison clothing, expressed regret for her actions during the hearing. 'I take full responsibility for my actions,' she said, her voice steady but tinged with sorrow. 'These were horrible choices that ultimately proved tragic.' Her plea, however, did little to sway the judge, who emphasized that her continued sale of ketamine even after Perry's death demonstrated a profound lack of remorse. Prosecutors had recommended a 15-year sentence, a term that the judge upheld without hesitation.

The case traces back to September 2023, when Sangha pleaded guilty to five felony drug counts, including one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises and three counts of illegal distribution of ketamine. A particularly damning charge was the one of distributing ketamine resulting in death, a charge that tied her directly to Perry's fatal overdose. Her defense team had argued for a sentence limited to the time she had already served in custody—nearly 18 months since her arrest in 2024—but the judge dismissed that request, citing the severity of her actions.

Perry's death, attributed to the 'acute effects of ketamine,' has since become a cautionary tale about the dangers of unregulated drug use and the failures of the healthcare system in addressing addiction. The actor had openly discussed his struggles with substance abuse in his memoir, *Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing*, published in 2022. Federal officials have revealed that Perry became addicted to ketamine during infusions at a clinic intended to treat his anxiety and depression. When doctors refused to increase his dosage, he turned to alternative sources—sources like Sangha.

Prosecutors allege that Sangha sold 51 vials of ketamine to a go-between named Erik Fleming, who then passed them to Perry through his personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. Iwamasa, who has since been charged in connection with the case, allegedly injected Perry with at least three shots of ketamine from those vials, leading to his death. The prosecution's narrative paints a picture of a system where addiction is exploited for profit, with individuals like Sangha and Iwamasa positioned at the nexus of supply and demand.

Sangha's sentence has sparked controversy, particularly among her legal representatives. Mark Geragos, her defense attorney, argued that the 15-year term was disproportionate compared to the sentences given to two doctors who had previously been convicted in connection with Perry's death. 'There's no way that Jasveen is five times more culpable than the person who injected Matthew Perry with the drug, or the doctor who got the drug,' Geragos told reporters after the hearing. His comments highlight the complex moral and legal questions surrounding the case, where responsibility is diffused across multiple parties.

The broader implications of this case extend beyond the courtroom. It underscores the risks faced by individuals struggling with addiction in high-profile industries, where access to regulated medical care is often limited or compromised. It also raises questions about the role of law enforcement and the justice system in addressing the root causes of drug-related deaths. For communities grappling with the opioid crisis and other substance use disorders, this case serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of failing to provide adequate support and intervention.

As the legal proceedings surrounding Matthew Perry's death continue to unfold, the focus remains on the individuals who enabled his addiction rather than the actor himself. Sangha's sentence, while severe, may not fully address the systemic issues that allowed her actions to occur. Yet, for those who knew Perry, the case is a painful reminder of how quickly the line between help and harm can blur in the world of drug use and recovery.

The trial has also reignited debates about the regulation of ketamine and the need for stricter oversight of clinics that administer the drug. While ketamine is increasingly used in medical settings for its therapeutic potential, its illicit distribution poses a significant public health risk. Advocates for drug policy reform argue that punitive measures like Sangha's sentence may not be the most effective way to address the problem, but for now, the justice system has chosen a path of accountability.

As the 15-year sentence is carried out, the case will likely be remembered not only as a legal milestone but also as a tragic reflection of the challenges faced by those battling addiction. For the families of Perry and others affected by drug-related deaths, it is a moment of both closure and continued struggle—a reminder that the fight against addiction is far from over.