‘Ketamine Queen’ Pleads Guilty in Connection to Matthew Perry‘s Death,Broader Drug Network
Jasveen Sangha,accused of supplying the ketamine that contributed to the death of actor Matthew Perry,pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances,the Justice Department announced. The guilty plea reveals details of a sprawling ketamine distribution network allegedly catering to celebrities and high-end clients in Hollywood, raising further questions about drug access within the entertainment industry.Sangha’s case gained prominence following Perry’s October 2023 death, which was ruled an accidental drowning with contributing factors of acute effects of ketamine. Her conviction marks a significant progress in the examination into how Perry obtained a considerable quantity of the drug over several years, and exposes a previously obscured network described by one doctor as the “wild west” of ketamine access.
According to the Justice Department, Sangha operated a ”stash house” in North Hollywood beginning in at least 2019, distributing ketamine and other illicit substances. A search of the location in March 2024 uncovered over 80 vials of ketamine, alongside thousands of pills containing methamphetamine, cocaine, and Xanax.
The guilty plea also includes an admission to selling ketamine to Cody McLaury in August 2019, who later died from a drug overdose hours after the purchase. Federal authorities allege Sangha served a clientele that included celebrities, and evidence suggests a lavish lifestyle fueled by the drug trade, documented on her social media accounts with images of parties and international travel, including trips to Japan and Mexico. Friends have reported Sangha attended events like the Golden Globes and the Oscars.
Sangha faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for October 22, 2024. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details regarding the extent of the alleged network and potential involvement of other individuals are expected to emerge.
