Los Angeles: An Indian-origin drug supplier dubbed the “Ketamine Queen” has been handed a 15-year prison sentence for her role in the overdose death of Matthew Perry, bringing a major chapter of the high-profile case to a close.
Jasveen Sangha, a British-American national of Punjabi descent, was convicted for distributing ketamine and other narcotics to clients in Los Angeles, including the substances that ultimately led to the actor’s death in 2023. The 42-year-old had been in custody since her arrest in 2024.
According to federal prosecutors, Sangha operated an extensive drug distribution network from her residence in Los Angeles, catering to affluent clients within the entertainment industry. Authorities said she cultivated an image of exclusivity, presenting herself as a supplier to a select group of high-profile individuals.
Investigators revealed that Sangha worked with associates to deliver multiple vials of ketamine to Perry in the weeks leading up to his death. The drugs were reportedly passed through intermediaries before reaching the actor, who was later found unresponsive at his home.
Court documents also highlighted attempts to conceal evidence after news of Perry’s death became public. Prosecutors argued that such actions demonstrated awareness of the seriousness of the situation.
Beyond the Perry case, Sangha was also linked to another fatal overdose in 2019, further strengthening the prosecution’s argument that her activities posed a significant public risk. Officials described her operation as a sustained and high-volume enterprise involving multiple controlled substances.
Despite her legal team’s plea for leniency—citing her lack of prior criminal history and participation in rehabilitation programmes—the court opted for a stringent sentence. The defence had argued that Sangha had shown remorse and taken steps toward reform while in custody.
During the hearing, Sangha expressed regret over her actions, acknowledging the consequences they had caused. However, the judge concluded that the severity of the offence and its impact warranted a substantial prison term.
The case has once again drawn attention to the issue of drug abuse within elite circles, as well as the networks that enable access to such substances.
