Matthew Perry’s death: Two doctors, personal assistant, and 'Ketamine Queen' charged

Five individuals have been charged in connection with the drug-related death of Matthew Perry last year, including two doctors and the actor's personal assistant, according to police.

Police announced on Thursday that their investigation, which began in May, revealed a "broad underground criminal network" of drug suppliers responsible for distributing large quantities of ketamine.

Perry, 54, was found dead at his Los Angeles home in October. A post-mortem examination determined that a high concentration of ketamine in his blood, leading to the "acute effects" of the drug, was the cause of death.

US Attorney Martin Estrada stated on Thursday that "these defendants exploited Mr. Perry's addiction issues for their own gain," knowing full well the dangers it posed to him but proceeding regardless.

Three of the defendants, including Perry's assistant, have already pleaded guilty to drug charges. Two others, a doctor and a woman referred to as "The Ketamine Queen," were arrested on Thursday, according to the justice department.

Ketamine, a potent anesthetic, is also used to treat depression, anxiety, and pain. Those close to Perry, who was a lead actor on the NBC television show Friends, informed the coroner's investigation that Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy.

However, his last session occurred more than a week before his death. The medical examiner concluded that the ketamine found in Perry's system could not have been from the infusion therapy due to the drug's short half-life.

The ketamine levels in his body were comparable to those administered during general anesthesia, according to the medical examiner.

A federal court indictment outlined the complex drug purchasing scheme that prosecutors allege ultimately led to Perry's death.

Prosecutors claim that Perry's assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, collaborated with two doctors to supply the actor with over $50,000 (£38,000) worth of ketamine in the weeks leading up to his death.