Jasveen Sangha, the ‘Ketamine Queen,’ Faces Sentencing in Matthew Perry Overdose Case
Jasveen Sangha, the drug dealer known as the “Ketamine Queen,” is scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday morning in a Los Angeles federal court. Sangha admitted to providing the ketamine that led to the fatal overdose of Friends star Matthew Perry in October 2023. As the third of five defendants to be sentenced in the investigation, Sangha faces the most severe legal repercussions due to her direct role in the actor’s death.
The Charges and Plea Agreement
Sangha pleaded guilty last year to a series of serious charges, including one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury. Her plea agreement also included three counts of ketamine distribution and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises. Although Sangha faces a maximum possible sentence of 65 years in prison, the legal battle now centers on the actual duration of her incarceration.
Prosecutors have requested that the judge sentence the 42-year-old to 15 years in prison. In court filings, government attorneys cited Sangha’s “cold callousness and disregard for life,” alleging that she has shown little remorse. To support this claim, prosecutors pointed to recorded jail communications where Sangha reportedly discussed securing book rights and “trademarks” related to the case.
An Elaborate Drug Operation
According to a sentencing memorandum, Sangha operated a high-volume drug trafficking business from her residence in North Hollywood starting at least in 2019. The operation involved the storage, packaging, and distribution of methamphetamine and ketamine, specifically catering to high-conclude clients to fund a “jet-setting lifestyle.”
The investigation revealed that Matthew Perry was not the only victim of Sangha’s operation. Prosecutors stated that Sangha continued to sell dangerous drugs even after learning her ketamine contributed to the death of Los Angeles resident Cody McLaury in 2019, who died hours after purchasing four vials from her.
The Defense’s Position
Sangha’s legal team is pushing for a significantly lighter sentence, arguing that the time she has spent in federal custody since her August 2024 indictment should be sufficient. Her attorneys contend that the prosecution’s calculations regarding federal sentencing guidelines are “factually wrong.” They have asked the court to consider her lack of a prior criminal record, her exemplary behavior while incarcerated, and the low likelihood that she would return to drug dealing.
A Network of Enablers
The probe into Perry’s death uncovered a wider ring of suppliers and enablers. Two medical doctors were among those convicted:
- Dr. Salvador Plasencia: Sentenced in 2025 to 30 months in jail after admitting to four counts of ketamine distribution. He reportedly bought ketamine from another doctor and sold it to Perry at heavily inflated prices, with prosecutors noting Perry paid over $2,000 per vial.
- Dr. Mark Chavez: Ordered to serve home confinement and complete hundreds of hours of community service.
Family Plea for Justice
Matthew Perry’s family is expected to address the court before the sentencing. Family members have expressed that the pain caused by the overdose is “irreversible” and are urging the court to impose the maximum jail time for Sangha, describing the dealer as “heartless.”
Key Case Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Jasveen Sangha (“Ketamine Queen”) |
| Sentencing Date | Wednesday, April 8, 2026 |
| Primary Charge | Distribution of ketamine resulting in death |
| Maximum Sentence | 65 years |
| Prosecution Request | 15 years |
| Victims Mentioned | Matthew Perry, Cody McLaury |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary cause of Matthew Perry’s death?
The medical examiner ruled that ketamine, a surgical anesthetic, was the primary cause of death for the 54-year-old actor, who was found dead in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home.
Who else was involved in the distribution of drugs to Matthew Perry?
Five people pleaded guilty in connection with the overdose. This includes Jasveen Sangha and doctors Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez.
Why is Jasveen Sangha facing a steeper sentence than the other defendants?
Sangha is the only defendant whose plea deal included an explicit acknowledgment of causing Matthew Perry’s death.
Keep reading