Jasveen Sangha: The ‘Ketamine Queen’ and the Matthew Perry Case

“I’m really select with people … red carpet motherf**kers.” These were the words of Jasveen Sangha, a woman who prosecutors have labeled the “Ketamine Queen.” For years, Sangha allegedly operated a high-volume drug trafficking business from her North Hollywood residence, catering to a clientele that included A-list celebrities.

Sangha’s lifestyle was fueled not by financial need, but by “greed, glamor and access,” according to prosecutors. She marketed herself as a dealer who exclusively served the elite, a dangerous game that ultimately led to devastating consequences.

The Tragic Death of Matthew Perry

The narrative shifted dramatically on October 28, 2023, when actor Matthew Perry was found unresponsive in his hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death to be “acute effects of ketamine” combined with drowning.

In August 2024, Sangha and four others were charged in connection with Perry’s death. A year later, Sangha agreed to plead guilty to five federal criminal charges, including providing the ketamine that contributed to Perry’s fatal overdose. This plea mirrors those of the other four defendants who have also reached plea agreements with federal prosecutors.

Accountability and Deterrence

Following Sangha’s indictment, then-US Attorney for the Central District of California, E. Martin Estrada, issued a stark warning: “Defendants nowadays are on full notice that the products they sell could result in the death of another person. Therefore, if you’re in the drug business and despite these risks, you continue in the drug business, you are pushed by greed to gamble with other people’s lives, be advised, we will hold you accountable.” U.S. Department of Justice

Perry’s case echoes the tragic deaths of other celebrities, such as Mac Miller, who died in 2018 from an accidental overdose of fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol, and Tyler Skaggs, a Major League pitcher who died in 2019 with high levels of opioids in his system. Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death in 2014, also due to a drug overdose, further highlights the devastating impact of substance abuse and the dangers of illicit drug supply. In each of these cases, individuals allegedly involved in supplying the drugs faced legal repercussions.

A Pattern of Tragedy and a Growing Crackdown

Legal experts believe that focusing on high-profile cases like Perry’s can serve as a deterrent to illegal drug activities. Andrew Pickett, a lead trial attorney, explained to CNN, “The emphasis on high-profile cases largely stems from the visibility they bring to the issue, helping to shed light on the broader implications of the drug crisis… They serve as a warning to both practitioners operating on the fringes of legality and those facilitating substance abuse.”

The increasing number of drug-related deaths has prompted law enforcement and prosecutors nationwide to intensify their efforts to target traffickers and dealers. However, the pursuit of profit often outweighs concerns for human life, as an undercover LAPD detective revealed to CNN: “It all comes down to money, it all comes down to profit… The dealer’s main objective is to get you hooked, and if you don’t die from it, then you’re a customer for as long as you live.”

Beyond Matthew Perry: A History of Harm

The investigation into Perry’s death uncovered a network of doctors and drug suppliers allegedly responsible for distributing ketamine. Tragically, Perry wasn’t the only victim connected to Sangha. Cody McLaury, an aspiring personal trainer, died in 2019 from a ketamine overdose, and prosecutors believe Sangha was the source of the drug. McLaury’s sister, Kimberly McLaury, texted Sangha after learning of her brother’s cause of death, but received no response.

Prosecutors sought to include McLaury’s death in Sangha’s sentencing, arguing that Perry’s death did not deter her illegal activities. They emphasized that Sangha “chose profits over people” and caused “immense pain to the victims’ families and loved ones.”

Sentencing and the Future

As of Wednesday, Jasveen Sangha faces a judge who will determine her fate. Her attorneys argue she has accepted responsibility and request a sentence of time served, while federal prosecutors are seeking a 15-year prison sentence. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly send a message about the consequences of drug trafficking and the importance of holding those responsible accountable.

CNN’s Josh Campbell, Jason Kravarik, Ashley R. Williams, Taylor Romine and Cheri Mossburg contributed to this report.