Jasveen Sangha sentenced to 15 years for supplying drugs that led to Matthew Perry’s death

Jasveen Sangha, the woman dubbed the “Ketamine Queen,” has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for her role in the death of Friends star Matthew Perry. The sentencing comes after Sangha, 42, pleaded guilty to five charges, including one count of distributing ketamine resulting in death or bodily injury.

Sangha, an American-British dual-national, ran what prosecutors described as a “drug-selling emporium” out of her North Hollywood home. The investigation revealed that she sold a range of illegal substances, including ketamine, methamphetamine, cocaine, and Xanax, to wealthy and well-connected clients.

Perry, who had long struggled with addiction, was found dead in his Los Angeles home in October 2023. His death, which occurred in the hot tub of his residence, was later determined to be the result of an acute ketamine overdose.

Ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic with hallucinogenic effects, is typically only to be administered under medical supervision. However, Sangha allegedly provided it to Perry, along with other drugs, which contributed to his tragic passing.

During the hearing, Sangha broke down in tears as Perry’s relatives spoke in court. In a victim impact statement, Perry’s stepmother, Debbie Perry, urged the judge to impose the maximum possible sentence, describing the damage done as “irreversible.” She added that Sangha’s actions were the result of “poor decisions” that shattered lives and that she chose to “hurt people” despite having the business acumen to make money in more lawful ways.

Sangha, who had denied the charges initially, agreed to change her plea just weeks before her trial was set to begin. As part of a plea agreement, she admitted to selling ketamine to Cody McLaury in August 2019, who died shortly after from a drug overdose.

Federal authorities raided Sangha’s Los Angeles home in 2024, where they found dozens of ketamine vials and other illicit substances. Investigators claimed she had been supplying the injectable drug since at least 2019.

In court, Sangha expressed deep remorse, acknowledging the harm caused by her actions. “I am deeply ashamed and sorry for what I did,” she said during her statement. However, the judge noted that Sangha had shown no remorse in the years since her arrest, which influenced the sentencing decision.

Despite her apology, Sangha’s lawyers had argued for a more lenient sentence, citing her lack of prior criminal record and her acceptance of responsibility for her actions. Her family and friends submitted letters in her support, requesting a reduced sentence.

Sangha was facing a maximum sentence of 65 years in federal prison, but she was ultimately sentenced to 15 years for her crimes, which the judge deemed appropriate given the severity of her actions.

The case highlights the ongoing issue of illicit drug distribution, particularly the abuse of substances like ketamine, which continue to contribute to a rise in overdose deaths. The sentencing also serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of illegal drug trafficking and the impact it has on families and communities.