The “Ketamine Queen” who peddled death to Matthew Perry and fueled Hollywood’s drug underworld now faces 15 years behind bars, delivering long-overdue justice in Trump’s America.
Story Highlights
- Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the “Ketamine Queen,” sentenced to 15 years for supplying ketamine that killed Friends star Matthew Perry in 2023.
- Operated elaborate drug network from North Hollywood home, dealing ketamine, cocaine, and meth to high-profile clients.
- Plea deal avoided September 2026 trial; third of five defendants convicted in federal case.
- Prior 2019 overdose death linked to her sales; prosecutors highlight deterrence amid national drug crisis.
Sangha’s Drug Empire Exposed
Jasveen Sangha ran a high-volume drug trafficking operation from her North Hollywood residence for years. Federal prosecutors detailed how she marketed herself as an exclusive dealer to Hollywood elites, supplying ketamine, cocaine, and methamphetamine. This network funded her lavish lifestyle while ignoring the deadly risks.
On April 8, 2026, U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett sentenced the 42-year-old British-American to 180 months in prison. Sangha pleaded guilty in August 2025 to five charges, including distribution of ketamine resulting in death.
Link to Matthew Perry’s Fatal Overdose
Sangha supplied 50 vials of ketamine through middleman Erik Fleming to Perry’s circle in October 2023. Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, injected him 6-8 times daily, culminating in the fatal dose on October 28. Court documents confirm Sangha provided the drugs knowing their dangers.
This case marks the third sentencing among five defendants, all but two having pleaded guilty. The operation’s exposure underscores federal commitment to holding suppliers accountable for celebrity overdoses.
Past Crimes and Courtroom Drama
Sangha admitted selling four ketamine vials to Cody McLaury hours before his 2019 overdose death, unrelated to Perry. Defense attorney Mark Arages sought time served, citing her nearly two years detained and addiction history. Sangha expressed remorse in court: “I take full responsibility… Not a day goes by that I don’t think about what I have done.”
Prosecutors countered, emphasizing her repeat offenses and elaborate setup, including a money counter and packaging materials found during a 2024 raid. Judge Garnett balanced calls for 60 years maximum against defense pleas.
Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” was sentenced to 15 years in prison for selling the ketamine that killed Matthew Perry in 2023.
She pleaded guilty last year to five federal charges tied to his death and has been in federal custody since her 2024 arrest.… pic.twitter.com/RU7iBR17kI
— Variety (@Variety) April 8, 2026
Perry’s sister delivered emotional victim impact testimony, amplifying family pain. Remaining defendants, including Iwamasa, face sentencing later in April 2026. This outcome signals stronger enforcement under Trump administration priorities.
Broader Implications for Drug Enforcement
The sentencing sets a precedent for “death resulting” charges in overdose cases, potentially increasing federal prosecutions amid the opioid and ketamine crises. Hollywood’s addiction stigma grows, affecting entertainment communities and Los Angeles suppliers.
Ketamine, a Schedule III drug used medically for depression, faces heightened scrutiny when abused recreationally. Short-term closure aids Perry’s family; long-term, it deters underground networks preying on vulnerable Americans. Conservative values demand personal responsibility over excuses like addiction for profit-driven dealers.
