Matthew Perry death investigation: 'Ketamine Queen' and cover-ups
Uncovering Secrets: 5 Revelations From Matthew Perry Investigation
Investigators have revealed the main discoveries in the case of Matthew Perry's death.
BBC News reports from Los Angeles In Los Angeles, BBC News is on the scene Los Angeles is the location of the latest BBC News report
When Matthew Perry, known for his role in the TV show Friends, was discovered deceased in a hot tub at his Los Angeles residence last year, many initially believed it may have been a tragic accident.
He had been using ketamine infusion therapy to help with his depression, and there was no evidence of drug use or foul play at the scene where he was found. It seems he drowned accidentally.
He had struggled with addiction for many years, but the actor announced that he was now clean and sober.
When the actor most famous for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends passed away, people all over the world were sad. But then, a medical examiner discovered something strange: there was a lot of ketamine in his blood, similar to what is used for putting someone to sleep during an operation.
It shouldn't have still been in his body since his last therapy session over a week ago.
A lengthy investigation lasting nearly a year revealed a suspected large illegal ketamine distribution operation, efforts to conceal the crime, and another tragic death.
There were five people arrested, including doctors, Perry's assistant, and a suspected dealer who is called the "Ketamine Queen" in the area.
His live-in helper, Kenneth Iwamasa, admitted to being part of a plan to distribute ketamine that led to someone's death. Eric Fleming and Dr. Mark Chavez also admitted to unlawfully distributing drugs.
Dr Salvador Plasencia, who is accused of providing ketamine to Perry, has been charged with falsifying documents. Jasveen Sangha, who is suspected of being a dealer, is facing nine charges.
Both denied the charges in court on Thursday.
Royal Ketamine: A Hub For Drug Sales
Picture courtesy of the US District Court
A picture from the legal document showing supposed proof found at the place officials have referred to as the "Sangha stash house".
Ms Sangha keeps being mentioned over and over in the investigation.
Officials stated that the individual known as the "Ketamine Queen" is accused of providing the substances that resulted in Perry's passing on October 28, 2023.
The 41-year-old is being charged with selling 50 small bottles of ketamine to him for around $11,000 (£8,550), and was identified as a person who sells illegal drugs and is aware that the ketamine she sells could cause harm or death.
According to Martin Estrada, the US Attorney for California's Central District, her house in North Hollywood was described as a place where drugs were being sold regularly. This information was shared during a recent news conference.
Over 80 small containers of ketamine were reportedly discovered during a search, as well as numerous pills containing methamphetamine, cocaine, and Xanax.
Mr. Estrada mentioned that a pistol was also found.
The place referred to as the "Sangha Stash House" in the legal document was where she supposedly prepared and delivered drugs, mainly for wealthy and well-known individuals.
Ms Sangha exclusively works with prestigious clients and celebrities, as stated in the indictment.
Before the press conference finished, Mr. Estrada was questioned about the size of Ms. Sangha's network.
He claimed that she was a significant provider of ketamine to others, including Perry.
Perry Exploited By Doctors And Dealers
The doctor accused of causing Perry's death received a text asking, "How much money will this idiot pay?"
As Perry's addiction worsened, he craved increasing amounts of ketamine and began looking for cheaper sources. This ultimately led him to purchase from both street dealers and more high-end suppliers, according to officials.
The individuals involved in the case exploited him, according to Mr. Estrada.
"I'm curious to see how much money this fool will hand over," Dr. Plasencia stated in a text message, as reported by authorities.
In a separate instance, he expressed his desire to be Perry's primary source for drugs.
Some people say that Perry gave them approximately $2,000 for vials that are actually worth only about $12 each.
"This group of individuals was more interested in making money from Mr. Perry than ensuring his health and welfare," added Mr. Estrada.
Officials stated that Perry bought 20 containers of ketamine from Dr. Plasencia for a grand sum of $55,000 during the months of September and October in the year 2023.
Dr. Plasencia is said to have instructed Iwamasa, the assistant, on administering the drug, despite knowing that Perry's ketamine addiction was getting worse, as per investigators.
Officials stated that the doctor gave Perry additional ketamine despite witnessing him experience paralysis after receiving the drug once before.
Second Death Uncovered In Cover-up Scandal
After Perry passed away, the people accused of giving him the drugs tried to keep their actions a secret, according to investigators.
Authorities report that Ms Sangha sent a message to a different suspect instructing them to "erase all of our messages".
Fleming sent a message to Ms. Sangha asking her to call him. He mentioned that he had more information and wanted to discuss ideas with her. He believed that everyone was mostly safe and mentioned that he had only dealt with Perry's assistant, who he believed was the one responsible for enabling the situation.
He inquired with Ms. Sangha, as per legal records, about the duration ketamine remains in the body or if it is quickly eliminated.
Officials reported that they utilized secret language, referring to ketamine as "Dr Pepper", "bots", or "cans".
Dr. Plasencia supposedly altered medical documents to make it seem like the medications administered to the actor were legal.
Officials also discovered that Ms. Sangha was reportedly connected to another fatal overdose in 2019.
Based on legal papers, she was aware of the risks of ketamine because she sold it to a customer named Cody McLaury, who passed away from an overdose shortly after purchasing the substance.
One of his relatives sent her a message saying: " The drug you gave my brother, ketamine, caused his death. It is listed as the reason he died."
A few days later, investigators discovered that Ms. Sangha had looked up on Google: "Is ketamine a possible cause of death?"
Officials stated that Ms Sangha will be prosecuted for the incident.
Actor's Daily Injections By Assistant
Perry's assistant who lived with him, Iwamasa, was the one who discovered the actor's body.
Investigators also confirmed that he was responsible for administering Perry with the ketamine that ultimately caused his death.
According to the court papers, Iwamasa did not have any medical training and had very little knowledge about giving controlled substances.
In the four days before Perry passed away, prosecutors claim that Iwamasa gave him over 20 doses of ketamine, with three doses on the day of his death.
In July, he was accused of committing a crime by working with others to distribute ketamine, which caused someone to die and suffer serious physical harm. Prosecutors claim that he has admitted to the crime and pleaded guilty.
Ketamine should only be given by a doctor, according to researchers. People who have used the drug need to be watched by a medical professional due to the potential risks.
On October 10th, several weeks before Perry passed away, Dr. Plasencia purchased 10 containers of ketamine from co-conspirator Dr. Mark Chavez with the alleged plan to sell them to Perry.
Officials reported that Dr. Plasencia subsequently encountered Perry and Iwamasa in a public parking area, where he administered the actor with an injection while they were inside a car.
After two days, he purportedly administered a high dose injection at his residence that resulted in him becoming immobile and his blood pressure rising rapidly.
Dr. Plasencia advised Iwamasa not to repeat the same action.
He is said to have left some extra vials with Iwamasa.
Perry's Legacy: Helping Others Hope
The "Friends" actors captured in a group photo in 2002.
Perry was honest about his struggles with addiction. In his book published in 2022, he talked about the years he had spent battling alcohol and drug issues. He shared a story about his co-star Jennifer Anniston addressing the issue of his alcohol smell, as well as the significant amount of money he had invested in maintaining his sobriety.
He expressed his desire for his honesty to inspire and assist others facing challenges. The main page of the Matthew Perry Foundation, established following his passing, features his statement: "I want to be remembered for helping others when I'm gone."
The leader of the national Drug Enforcement Agency, Anne Milgram, stated on Thursday that the arrests and the public information about the well-known case are expected to assist others and avoid deaths - just as Perry had hoped.
Friends star Matthew Perry speaks about addiction on BBC Newsnight Actor Matthew Perry discusses struggles with addiction on BBC Newsnight
