Jasveen Sangha, known in criminal circles as the “Ketamine Queen,” has concluded her clandestine operation in Los Angeles with a 15-year sentence. According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Sangha was the primary supplier of the 50 vials of ketamine that led to the fatal overdose of actor Matthew Perry in 2023.
Despite growing up in a privileged environment in Calabasas, California, and holding an MBA from the Hult International Business School of London, the 42-year-old transformed her North Hollywood residence into a “stash house” for the storage of cocaine, Xanax, and methamphetamine.
A federal investigation, supported by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), revealed Sangha used the proceeds from drug trafficking to maintain a high-level influencer image. DEA Special Agent Bill Bodner explained Sangha ran a large-scale operation specifically designed to cater to Hollywood’s elite.
Her criminal success was linked to her ability to remain unnoticed in exclusive social circles, where even close friends—including former university classmates—were unaware of her illicit activities.
The case of Matthew Perry is not the first fatal event linked to Sangha’s distribution. In 2019, she sold ketamine to a man named Cody McLaury, who died shortly after from an overdose. According to messaging records presented by prosecutor Martin Estrada, McLaury’s sister notified Sangha of her brother’s death, attributing it to the substances she sold; however, Sangha continued operating her network without changes, demonstrating what authorities called an “insensitive disregard for human life.”
This lack of remorse was a key point in determining her sentence. Whereas her defense attorney, Mark Geragos, stated Sangha “has felt terrible from day one” and has maintained sobriety in recent months, evidence presented by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) during a search of her home revealed a massive inventory of drugs ready for distribution.
Authorities emphasize that, despite her education and family background, Sangha chose a criminal life, utilizing couriers to cross borders and obtain supplies from corrupt pharmacies in Mexico.
The final sentence against Sangha is added to those of four other individuals involved, including two doctors who facilitated Perry’s initial access to the substance. According to StatNews, the use of ketamine outside of clinical protocols to treat depression created a void that traffickers like Sangha exploited to create dependency in their clients.
The court’s resolution not only punishes the death of the “Friends” actor, but also seeks to dismantle the perception of impunity within supply networks operating in the wealthiest sectors of California.
Facing a potential 65-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to federal charges, prosecutors sought 15 years—and ultimately secured a 15-year sentence, considered a substantial and exemplary punishment.
According to analysis by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the case sets a precedent in the prosecution of “white collar” distributors who use business facades (such as her former nail salon) to launder money from the black market.
With this verdict, the U.S. Judicial system closes one of the most publicized and tragic chapters related to the crisis of controlled substances in the contemporary film industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role did Jasveen Sangha play in Matthew Perry’s death?
Jasveen Sangha was the primary supplier of the ketamine that led to Matthew Perry’s fatal overdose in 2023, providing 50 vials of the drug.
What was Sangha doing with the money she made from selling drugs?
Sangha used the proceeds from drug trafficking to maintain a high-level influencer image.
Had Sangha been involved in other deaths related to drug distribution?
In 2019, Sangha sold ketamine to Cody McLaury, who died shortly after from an overdose. She continued her operation even after being notified of his death.
Given the complexities of drug distribution networks and the vulnerabilities of those struggling with addiction, what further steps might be taken to address this issue beyond criminal prosecution?
