Jasveen Sangha, known as the "Ketamine Queen," has been charged in connection with the death of actor Matthew Perry. Sangha, a 41-year-old California resident with dual British and American citizenship, faces multiple serious charges related to the distribution of ketamine, a powerful sedative. The charges include conspiracy to distribute ketamine, maintaining drug-involved premises, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and ketamine, and five counts of distribution of ketamine. If convicted, Sangha could face life imprisonment.
Sangha's lifestyle and social media presence paint a picture of affluence and high social standing. She frequently documented her luxurious travels and high-profile events on social media platforms. Her exotic trips included visits to Mexico, Spain, Italy, Greece, Japan, France, Dubai, and Antigua. Sangha was also seen driving a BMW and later a rented Range Rover, reflecting her opulent lifestyle. Despite the gravity of the charges, she was reportedly "blithely indifferent" to the consequences of her actions, according to prosecutors.
In the weeks following Perry's death on October 11, 2023, Sangha was seen enjoying high-end leisure activities, including sipping cocktails at Tokyo's Mandarin Oriental Hotel and lounging by a pool in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Her social media posts highlighted her carefree attitude and extravagant lifestyle. Sangha was also known to have various business ventures, including a nail salon that operated briefly.
Sangha's involvement in the drug trade reportedly began as early as 2019, when she allegedly sold ketamine to Cody McLaury, who overdosed and died shortly after the transaction. Despite being informed of the death, Sangha continued to distribute ketamine, indicating a troubling disregard for the drug's potential dangers.
In the case of Matthew Perry, Sangha allegedly supplied the ketamine that contributed to his death. Perry, who had a history of substance abuse, was found dead in his bathtub, with an autopsy later revealing the "acute effects of ketamine" as a significant factor. The report also cited drowning, coronary artery disease, and the presence of buprenorphine, an opioid-addiction medication, as contributing factors.
Sangha's arrest on August 15, 2024, was followed by a court appearance where she pleaded not guilty to all charges. Despite her plea, the judge ordered her to be held without bail, considering her a flight risk. Sangha's attorney has criticized the media portrayal of her as the "Ketamine Queen," arguing that the term was used to attract media attention.
The investigation into Perry's death also implicated Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a Santa Monica-based physician alleged to be a key ketamine supplier, and Dr. Mark Chavez. Additionally, Perry’s personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, and associate Erik Fleming have been charged. Sangha's alleged obsession with her appearance and her claims of regular Botox treatments and wellness regimens are noted in court documents, which describe her as a prominent figure in the drug trade, specializing in ketamine.
The ongoing legal proceedings and the involvement of multiple individuals highlight the complex nature of this case, which intertwines high-profile social lives with serious criminal allegations.
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