What did the court rule in the ‘Ketamine Queen’ case linked to the death of Matthew Perry?

A US federal court has sentenced Jasveen Sangha, widely known as the “Ketamine Queen”, to 15 years in prison for her role in the 2023 death of Friends star Matthew Perry, marking a major development in the high-profile case that shocked fans around the world.

Sangha, 42, pleaded guilty to five felony drug charges, including distributing ketamine that resulted in Perry’s death. According to prosecutors, she operated a drug distribution hub from her home in North Hollywood, supplying large quantities of the anesthetic through intermediaries who ultimately delivered it to the actor.

During her sentencing in Los Angeles, Sangha expressed remorse, acknowledging responsibility for her actions. “These were horrible choices that ultimately proved tragic,” she said in court. However, the judge rejected calls for leniency from her defense, emphasizing that Sangha continued selling illegal drugs for months after Perry’s death, raising serious concerns about her lack of immediate accountability.

Matthew Perry was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. He was 54. An autopsy later concluded that he died from the acute effects of ketamine, which led to unconsciousness and drowning.

Investigators revealed that Perry had been undergoing medically supervised ketamine treatments for depression and anxiety. However, when doctors refused to increase his dosage, he allegedly turned to illegal sources, opening the door for exploitation by those seeking financial gain.

The case extends beyond Sangha, with multiple individuals implicated, including healthcare providers and intermediaries. Several have already pleaded guilty to drug-related offenses, while others are still awaiting sentencing. The disparity in sentences has drawn criticism from Sangha’s legal team, who argue that responsibility should be more evenly distributed among those involved.

Best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic sitcom Friends, Matthew Perry had long been candid about his decades-long struggle with substance abuse.

In his 2022 memoir, he detailed his battle with addiction and his efforts to achieve sobriety, making his sudden death all the more tragic.