Why is Jasveen Sangha called "Ketamine Queen" in Hollywood? History explored as she pleads guilty over Matthew Perry’s death 

Jasveen Sangha, notoriously known as LA's "ketamine queen," has pleaded guilty to five federal criminal charges relating to Matthew Perry's demise.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sangha was initially hit with nine other charges when she was arrested, though these will now be axed. She is now pleading guilty to 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, per an announcement from the Justice Department.

The BBC has reported that Sangha, a 42-year-old American-British dual national, is one of the five people who were accused of supplying the late actor with ketamine. She allegedly exploited his drug addiction for her own gain, causing him to overdose eventually.

As per The Guardian, prosecutors gave her the nickname “ketamine queen” and also dubbed her Los Angeles home a "drug-selling emporium." The name identifies her as a prolific drug dealer, and the term was frequently used in press releases and court documents, and even in the official name of the case, as per the outlet.

Here's everything we know about Jasveen Sangha and her alleged role in Matthew Perry's demise

Matthew Perry, known for playing Chandler Bing on Friends, was found dead in his backyard in October 2023. He was in his jacuzzi at the time, at his home in Los Angeles. An autopsy found that his death was caused by the lingering effects of ketamine.

The Guardian has reported that Jasveen Sangha is now expected to show up for a hearing, where her sentencing will be scheduled. She could be looking at up to 45 years in prison. However, the BBC has reported that, per the Justice Department, this could be as high as 65 years in federal prison. She was indicted back in June, alongside four others: Perry’s personal assistant and two doctors.

At the time, she and Dr. Salvador Plasencia had been charged with "conspiracy to distribute ketamine, distribution of ketamine resulting in death, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine," according to The Guardian, in addition to "altering and falsifying records related to a federal investigation."

They were reportedly the main suspects of the investigation, while the remaining three, Dr. Mark Chavez, Kenneth Iwamasa, and Erik Fleming, pleaded guilty last year for a lesser sentence. They gave their sworn statements implicating Sangha and Plasencia in return.

Jasveen Sangha's attorney, Mark Geragos, told the BBC in a statement that she is "taking responsibility for her actions." The Hollywood Reporter has published that she also sold other, potentially lethal, drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine out of her home.

Furthermore, Cody McLaury, another one of her clients, also died of an overdose in August 2019. Jasveen Sangha is now expected to plead guilty to this as part of her plea deal.

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