Drug dealer dubbed the “Ketamine Queen” finally faces 15 years behind bars for pumping lethal ketamine into Hollywood, directly fueling Matthew Perry’s tragic overdose death.
Story Highlights
- Jasveen Sangha was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison on April 8, 2026, for supplying ketamine that killed Friends star Matthew Perry.
- Operated elaborate home-based drug network in North Hollywood, dealing ketamine, cocaine, and methamphetamine to high-profile clients.
- Pleaded guilty to five charges, including distribution resulting in death, admitting prior role in another overdose victim’s demise.
- Three of the five defendants were convicted; Perry’s assistant injected fatal doses from her stash, with two more sentences pending.
Sangha’s Drug Empire Exposed
Jasveen Sangha, born July 22, 1983, 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 catering to Hollywood elites, funding her lavish lifestyle through sales of ketamine, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett sentenced her to 180 months in prison on April 8, 2026, recognizing the grave harm of her actions. This network supplied the very drugs that ended Perry’s life.
Direct Link to Perry’s Fatal Overdose
Sangha collaborated with middleman Erik Fleming to deliver 51 vials of ketamine to Matthew Perry in October 2023. Perry’s live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, injected him six to eight times daily from October 24 to 27, culminating in the fatal dose on October 28.
Authorities confirmed the ketamine came from Sangha’s supply, purchased for $11,000. Iwamasa faces sentencing later in April 2026, as the third of five defendants receives justice in this case.
Prior Overdose and Guilty Plea
Sangha admitted to selling four vials of ketamine to Cody McLaury hours before his 2019 overdose death in Los Angeles, unrelated to Perry. She pleaded guilty in August 2025 to five federal charges: maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of ketamine distribution, and one count of distribution resulting in death.
This avoided a September 2026 trial. Prosecutors dropped unrelated methamphetamine and ketamine charges, but highlighted her repeat offenses during sentencing.
In court, Sangha stated, “I take full responsibility… Not a day goes by that I don’t think about what I have done,” while citing her own addiction struggles. Her attorney, Mark Arages, requested time served after nearly two years detained, noting her clean record and good behavior.
Prosecutors countered with evidence of her elaborate operation, pushing for 15-20 years to deter similar dealers.
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
Justice Served Amid Broader Crisis
This sentencing provides closure for Perry’s family, with his sister delivering powerful victim impact testimony in court. It sets a precedent for “death resulting” charges in overdose cases, signaling tougher federal enforcement against ketamine traffickers.
As a Schedule III substance misused recreationally despite medical uses for depression, ketamine’s dangers gain renewed focus. Hollywood’s addiction issues and underground networks face increased scrutiny under strong law enforcement.
Two remaining defendants, including Iwamasa, await sentencing this month, wrapping up a case that underscores personal accountability in the drug trade. Federal raids on Sangha’s home uncovered methamphetamine pills, more ketamine vials, Ecstasy, counterfeit Xanax, and trafficking tools, proving organized crime elements at play.
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‘Ketamine Queen’ Jasveen Sangha sentenced to 15 years in prison for role in Matthew Perry’s death
