Jasveen Sangha: Who is 'Ketamnine Queen' accused of supplying Matthew Perry?

Known as the "Ketamine Queen" according to authorities in the United States, Jasveen Sangha has been accused of being involved in selling drugs. Along with four others, US officials claim Sangha provided ketamine to Hollywood actor Matthew Perry, taking advantage of his struggles with addiction and ultimately contributing to his fatal overdose.

Ms Sangha is currently facing nine charges, which include conspiring to distribute ketamine and distributing ketamine that led to someone's death.

The person who is a citizen of both America and Britain, was wearing a Nirvana sweatshirt when they appeared in court and said they did not commit the crime they are accused of on Thursday.

US officials refused her request for bail, so she will stay in jail until her trial in October.

The accusation claims that Ms. Sangha's sharing of ketamine on October 24, 2023 led to Perry's passing.

Ketamine is a type of anesthesia that can cause hallucinations, as stated by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It can make it hard for users to see and hear things clearly and can make them feel like they are not in control.

This medication is commonly administered through injection to provide pain relief for both people and animals by creating a sense of disconnection from discomfort and surroundings.

According to researchers, the medication should only be given by a doctor and individuals who have used the treatment should be supervised by a healthcare provider due to potential risks.

Ms Sangha is accused of distributing ketamine from her secret hiding place since at least 2019.

During a press conference on Thursday, Martin Estrada, the US attorney for California's Central District, described her North Hollywood residence as a hub for selling illegal drugs.

Over 80 small bottles of ketamine were supposedly discovered during a search, along with numerous tablets containing methamphetamine, cocaine, and Xanax.

In the legal documents, the residence referred to as the "Sangha Stash House" is said to be the place where she supposedly prepared and handed out drugs.

According to her co-accused Erik Fleming, Ms. Sangha exclusively works with luxury clients and celebrities.

Simultaneously, she enjoyed a lavish lifestyle that she frequently posted about on social media.

Ms Sangha is rumored to have spent time with famous people at social events too. A friend mentioned to the Daily Mail that she was present at the Golden Globes and the Oscars.

After Perry's overdose, she shared images showing her luxurious life, such as glamorous events and vacations to Japan and Mexico.

Before she was arrested, her social media showed that she had visited a hair salon and colored her hair purple the day before.

The person who spoke on behalf of the US Attorney's Office Central District of California confirmed that the Instagram account where these posts were shared belonged to her.

According to prosecutors, Ms Sangha allegedly intended to give ketamine to Perry after Dr. Salvador Plasencia heard that the actor wanted the drug. Dr. Plasencia obtained the ketamine from Dr. Mark Chavez, who had previously run a clinic that administered ketamine.

They claim that Dr. Plasencia also instructed Perry's assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who lived with her, on how to administer ketamine injections to Perry.

Starting in October 2023, Ms. Sangha started giving Mr. Iwamasa ketamine, and the authorities claim she was aware that the ketamine she provided could be fatal.

"These accused individuals were more interested in making money from Mr. Perry instead of looking after his health," Mr. Estrada stated.

He also claimed that Ms Sangha was a "primary supplier of ketamine to others, including Perry".

If Sangha is found guilty of all the accusations in Perry's case, he would have to spend at least 10 years in federal prison and could potentially face a sentence of life imprisonment, as stated by the justice department.

American officials have also reportedly discovered Ms. Sangha's suspected involvement in another drug-related death in 2019.

The legal papers show that she was aware of the risks of ketamine, as she had previously sold it to a customer named Cody McLaury. tragically, McLaury passed away from an overdose after purchasing the drug.

She received a message from one of his relatives, who texted her saying: "The drug you gave my brother caused his death. It's listed as the reason he died."

Investigators have reported that Ms. Sangha may have looked up the question, "Is ketamine a possible cause of death?", on Google a few days after the incident.

Officials report that Ms Sangha will be charged in that situation.