‘Ketamine Queen’ Sentenced to 15 Years in Matthew Perry’s Death, Highlighting Broader Drug Supply Chain
By Lisa Richwine and Steve Gorman
LOS ANGELES, April 8 (Reuters) – A Los Angeles woman who operated a narcotics distribution hub, infamously dubbed the "Ketamine Queen," was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison on Wednesday for her central role in the ketamine-supply chain that led to the death of actor Matthew Perry.
Jasveen Sangha, 42, who pleaded guilty last September to five felony drug counts, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Garnett. Prosecutors detailed how Sangha’s operation supplied the high-dose ketamine that contributed to Perry’s accidental drowning in October 2023.
"I take full responsibility for my actions. These were horrible choices that ultimately proved tragic," Sangha told the court, wearing beige prison attire. Despite her expression of remorse, Judge Garnett cited Sangha’s continued drug sales for six months after Perry’s death as a sign of initial indifference.
The sentence, while severe, was less than the maximum 65 years she faced. It notably exceeds penalties given to others involved. Two doctors have received lighter sentences, while Perry’s former personal assistant and another dealer await sentencing.
Background: A Tragic Spiral
Matthew Perry, 54, was found unresponsive in his hot tub by his assistant. The autopsy ruled his death an accident caused by the "acute effects of ketamine," compounded by other factors. Perry had publicly battled addiction for decades, a struggle he detailed in his 2022 memoir. In his final months, he was receiving ketamine infusion therapy for depression but sought illicit sources after his clinic refused to increase his dosage.
Authorities outlined a supply chain: Sangha sold 51 vials of ketamine to an intermediary, Erik Fleming, who then provided them to Perry via the actor’s personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. Prosecutors allege Iwamasa injected Perry with the fatal dose.
Legal Repercussions and Disparity
Sangha’s defense sought leniency, citing her sobriety since arrest and her leadership of recovery meetings. Her attorney, Mark Geragos, later criticized the sentencing disparity. "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 provided it," Geragos stated.
In a victim-impact statement, Perry’s stepfather, journalist Keith Morrison, mourned the lost future: "He should have had another act, two more acts."
Analysis: A Case Beyond One Sentence
This case underscores the dangerous nexus between legitimate medical use, addiction, and predatory illicit markets. While ketamine is a FDA-approved treatment for depression, its street abuse poses significant risks. The sentencing reflects a growing judicial focus on holding upstream suppliers accountable in overdose deaths, even as debates over proportional justice continue.
Public Reaction
Sarah Chen, Addiction Counselor, New York: "This is a heartbreaking but necessary outcome. It highlights the responsibility of suppliers in a crisis where vulnerable individuals are exploited. The sentence sends a message, but we must address the systemic issues that drive people to these markets."
David Miller, Film Critic and Fan, Austin: "Perry brought joy to millions. It’s devastating that his private struggle ended this way. While the ‘Ketamine Queen’ deserves punishment, this feels like a symptom of a wider failure in how we handle addiction and mental health in the public eye."
Marcus Thorne, Legal Analyst Podcast Host: "Fifteen years? For essentially running a business that killed a man? The doctors get slaps on the wrist. This isn’t justice; it’s selective, theatrical punishment. It fails to meaningfully confront the medical professionals who enabled this pipeline."
Rebecca Shaw, Mental Health Advocate, San Diego: "The emotional focus on one supplier is understandable, but it risks oversimplifying a complex tragedy. Perry’s death was multifactorial. We need a more nuanced conversation about therapeutic ketamine, its regulation, and support systems to prevent such exploitation."