Who is Jasveen Sangha, the Ketamine Queen who Allegedly Sold Matthew Perry Fatal Drugs?

Jasveen Sangha, 42, was one of five people charged in connection with the ketamine overdose that killed Friends star Matthew Perry on 28 October 2023. Prosecutors allege that Sangha supplied Perry with ketamine via co-defendant Erik Fleming and the actor's live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. Iwamasa allegedly injected Perry with at least three doses of Sangha's ketamine the day he died.

The US Attorney's Office claims that Sangha was a major supplier of ketamine in Los Angeles and catered to high-profile clients. Perry's long-standing struggles with substance misuse were well-documented, and prosecutors claimed the defendants had taken advantage of his addiction for profit. Sangha's plea comes nearly a year after Perry was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his home in Los Angeles.

The 'Sangha Stash House' and Drug Supply Operation

Investigators traced a large ketamine distribution network back to Sangha's residence in North Hollywood, dubbed the 'Sangha Stash House' in court documents. A search of the property uncovered more than 80 vials of ketamine, alongside methamphetamine, Xanax, cocaine, and trafficking paraphernalia including a money-counting machine. Authorities say the home was used to store, package, and distribute drugs from at least 2019.

Sangha's social media presence reportedly showcased an extravagant lifestyle, including travel to Mexico and Japan, and attendance at high-profile events such as the Golden Globes. Days before the charges were publicly confirmed, she was active on Instagram, where she posted about a new purple hairstyle. Her account was later verified by the U.S. Attorney's Office as belonging to her.

Connection to Other Overdose Deaths

Sangha has also been linked to another fatality. In August 2019, she allegedly sold four vials of ketamine to Cody McLaury, who died shortly after. A family member later messaged Sangha: 'The ketamine you sold my brother killed him.' Days later, she reportedly searched online: 'Can ketamine be listed as a cause of death?'

Prosecutors have added McLaury's death to the charges. Sangha has agreed to plead guilty to one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of ketamine distribution, and one count of distribution resulting in death or serious bodily injury. She faces up to 65 years in federal prison.

Wider Case Involving Doctors and Perry's Assistant

Sangha is the final defendant in the case to agree to a guilty plea. Co-defendants include two doctors, Dr Salvador Plasencia and Dr Mark Chavez, who also admitted to supplying ketamine. Perry's assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death and admitted to injecting Perry on the day he died.

After Perry's death, Sangha and Fleming allegedly discussed how to minimise their legal exposure, with messages uncovered suggesting they sought to delete communications. Fleming reportedly reassured her, saying: 'I never dealt with [Perry]. Only his Assistant.'

All five defendants are scheduled to be sentenced in late 2025. Sangha's formal guilty plea is expected in the coming weeks, ahead of what was originally scheduled to be a September trial. Prosecutors allege she continued her drug operation for years, fully aware of the risks involved.

Ketamine's Effects and Legal Restrictions

Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic with hallucinogenic properties. According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration, it is medically used by licensed professionals to induce anaesthesia in both humans and animals. Unsupervised use can cause severe psychological and physical effects, including loss of consciousness and death.

Perry's autopsy concluded he died from the acute effects of ketamine. Prosecutors claim the drugs were not medically sourced or administered in any controlled clinical setting.

Sangha remains in custody and awaits sentencing.