
Jasveen Sangha – Sentenced to 15 years for Matthew Perry’s overdose
A federal judge has sentenced Jasveen Sangha, a 42-year-old British-American woman known as the “Ketamine Queen,” to 15 years in prison for supplying the ketamine that led to the death of actor Matthew Perry. Operating from her North Hollywood home, Sangha pleaded guilty to multiple charges including distribution of ketamine resulting in death. Her case has drawn widespread attention to the underground drug networks serving wealthy clients in Los Angeles.
Sangha, a dual citizen of the United States and the United Kingdom, had been in federal custody since August 2024. She was indicted alongside several others in what prosecutors described as a large-scale drug trafficking operation. The sentence, handed down in April 2026, marks a significant milestone in the legal aftermath of Perry’s death in October 2023.
Who Is Jasveen Sangha?
Key Insights into the Case
- Jasveen Sangha pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution of ketamine resulting in death.
- She operated a large-scale drug operation from her North Hollywood home, known as the ‘Ketamine Queen’ to high-end clients.
- The fatal dose of ketamine was administered to Matthew Perry by another dealer, but Sangha supplied it.
- She received a 15-year sentence after federal prosecutors highlighted her lack of remorse and continued drug dealing even after Perry’s death.
- The case highlights the intersection of celebrity addiction and illegal drug supply chains.
Snapshot Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Jasveen Sangha |
| Date of birth | July 22, 1983 |
| Known as | Ketamine Queen |
| Residence | North Hollywood (San Fernando Valley), California |
| Charges | Conspiracy to distribute ketamine, distribution of ketamine resulting in death |
| Sentence | 180 months (15 years) in federal prison |
| Sentencing judge | U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett (Central District of California) |
| Co-defendants | Eric Fleming (pleaded guilty), others including doctors |
| Victim | Matthew Perry (died October 28, 2023) |
What Crimes Was Jasveen Sangha Convicted Of?
Sangha pleaded guilty in September 2025 to five federal charges. These included one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of distribution of ketamine, and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury. The Justice Department stated that her plea covered drug dealing that contributed to at least two deaths, including Perry’s.
Why Is She Called the Ketamine Queen?
Prosecutors and the press gave Sangha the nickname “Ketamine Queen” because of her reputation as a high-volume supplier of the drug to wealthy clients, including celebrities. She operated from her home in North Hollywood, which federal agents described as a hub for a large-scale drug operation.
The nickname “Ketamine Queen” appears in multiple official documents, including the U.S. Justice Department press release announcing her sentence. It reflects both the scale of her operation and the drug of choice she trafficked.
What Evidence Was Presented?
Court records show that Sangha distributed ketamine on October 24, 2023, a few days before Perry’s death. An 18-count superseding indictment from the Justice Department alleged that she was part of a network that included doctors who improperly prescribed the drug. The BBC reported that she allegedly sold 50 vials of ketamine for about £11,000 and was tied to an underground ketamine network in Los Angeles.
How Is Jasveen Sangha Connected to Matthew Perry?
Matthew Perry died on October 28, 2023. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined the cause was acute effects of ketamine, with drowning also involved. Prosecutors said Sangha supplied the ketamine that was ultimately sold to Perry, including the specific dose that contributed to his fatal overdose.
Did She Supply the Fatal Dose?
According to court filings, the fatal injection was administered by another dealer, Eric Fleming, but Sangha provided the ketamine. The ABC News report on the sentencing states that Sangha and others exploited Perry’s addiction struggles for profit.
The case also involved two doctors, according to the Justice Department. Sangha became the fifth person to accept a plea deal in the investigation, as reported by BBC News. The broader network included medical professionals who illegally supplied ketamine.
What Was the Timeline of the Supply?
Prosecutors alleged that Sangha distributed ketamine on October 24, 2023, just days before Perry’s death. The chain of custody was traced through text messages and financial records, linking Sangha directly to the drugs that killed the actor.
What Is Jasveen Sangha’s Sentence and Legal Status?
On April 8, 2026, U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett sentenced Sangha to 180 months (15 years) in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. The sentence was the harshest among defendants who accepted plea deals in the case, as noted by PBS NewsHour and the NBC News report.
Can She Appeal?
Sangha may file an appeal within 30 days of sentencing, though no appeal has been publicly announced at this time. If she had gone to trial on the original indictment, she faced a possible sentence range from 10 years to life, according to the DOJ announcement.
Co-defendants, including Eric Fleming and Dr. Salvador Plasencia, are still awaiting trial or sentencing. The case continues to attract public interest, and further legal developments may follow.
How Did Jasveen Sangha’s Drug Operation Work?
Federal prosecutors described Sangha’s operation as a high-volume drug trafficking business run from her North Hollywood home. The BBC reported that she allegedly sold 50 vials of ketamine for about £11,000 and was tied to an underground ketamine network in Los Angeles.
What Other Drugs Did She Sell?
Ketamine was her primary product, but she also sold other illegal drugs including cocaine and prescription pills. The full extent of her client list remains only partially known, as some details are sealed.
Geographic Reach
While her base was in North Hollywood, the operation serviced clients across Los Angeles, including wealthy individuals and those connected to the entertainment industry.
When Did Key Events in the Case Occur?
- July 22, 1983: Jasveen Sangha born in the UK, later moved to the US.
- Pre-2023: Sangha builds a large-scale drug operation, selling ketamine and other drugs from her North Hollywood home.
- October 28, 2023: Matthew Perry dies from acute effects of ketamine in Los Angeles.
- Post-October 2023: Investigation traces the ketamine supply chain to Sangha and others.
- August 2024: Sangha arrested and detained in federal custody.
- September 2025: Sangha pleads guilty to five federal charges.
- April 8, 2026: Sangha sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear?
Established Information
- Jasveen Sangha pleaded guilty to charges related to Matthew Perry’s death.
- She was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison on April 8, 2026.
- She supplied the ketamine that led to Perry’s overdose.
- She is a British-American citizen born July 22, 1983.
Information That Remains Unclear
- Whether Sangha will appeal the sentence (no public appeal announced yet).
- The exact total volume of her drug operation (estimates but not precise).
- The full extent of her client list (only partial information released).
- The precise timeline of her involvement with Perry prior to October 2023 (some details remain sealed).
What Does the Jasveen Sangha Case Mean for Celebrity Drug Prosecutions?
Jasveen Sangha’s case is a landmark in the prosecution of drug dealers responsible for celebrity overdoses. It underscores the federal government’s use of drug-induced homicide charges via the Controlled Substances Act. The sentence of 15 years is notably severe, reflecting Sangha’s lack of remorse and continued dealing. The case also highlights the role of multiple enablers, including doctors who improperly prescribed ketamine. In the broader context, it shows that even peripheral suppliers in celebrity drug rings face serious consequences.
Readers interested in the health consequences of substance abuse may refer to our article Cirrhosis of the Liver – Symptoms, Causes, Stages, Treatment, which covers long-term effects of drug and alcohol use.
What Do Official Sources Say About Jasveen Sangha?
“Jasveen Sangha was sentenced today to 180 months in federal prison for her long-running drug dealing activities, including selling ketamine that resulted in the death of actor Matthew Perry.” — U.S. Attorney’s Office Press Release
“Jasveen Sangha was found guilty of selling drugs that killed Friends actor Matthew Perry.” — BBC News
“A woman known as the ‘Ketamine Queen’, who supplied the fatal dose of the drug that killed actor Matthew Perry, has been sentenced to 15 years.” — Sky News
What Happens Next for Jasveen Sangha?
Jasveen Sangha will serve 15 years in federal prison. She may file an appeal within the next 30 days. Co-defendants, including Eric Fleming and Dr. Salvador Plasencia, are still awaiting trial or sentencing. The case continues to attract public interest, and further legal developments may follow. For further reading on how celebrity deaths are often surrounded by myths and legal complexities, see When Did Elvis Presley Die – Age, Cause and Myths Explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jasveen Sangha called the Ketamine Queen?
She earned the nickname due to her reputation for supplying high-quality ketamine to wealthy clients, including celebrities, from her North Hollywood home.
Did Jasveen Sangha personally inject Matthew Perry?
No, the fatal injection was administered by another dealer, Eric Fleming, but Sangha supplied the ketamine.
What other drugs did Jasveen Sangha sell?
Ketamine was her primary product, but she also sold other illegal drugs including cocaine and prescription pills.
Where is Jasveen Sangha now?
She is in federal custody, likely at a facility determined by the Bureau of Prisons.
Can Jasveen Sangha get out early?
Federal sentences allow for good time credit (up to 15% reduction) but she must serve at least 85% of her sentence.
What is Jasveen Sangha’s ethnicity?
She is of Indian Sikh descent; her family background is from Punjab, India.
How many clients did Jasveen Sangha have?
The exact number is not publicly known, but she catered to high-end clients, including celebrities.