‘Ketamine Queen’ Charged In Death Of Matthew Perry

Two Doctors And The ‘Ketamine Queen’ Charged In The Overdose Death Of Matthew Perry

Authorities announced Thursday that five individuals, including Matthew Perry’s live-in personal assistant, two doctors, and two alleged drug dealers, have been charged with providing the ketamine that led to the “Friends” star’s death last year.

Federal prosecutors allege that Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, conspired with doctors Mark Chavez and Salvador Plasencia, along with drug dealers Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” and Eric Fleming, to obtain thousands of dollars worth of ketamine for the actor, who had a long history of addiction.

At a news conference, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada stated that the defendants “took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction to enrich themselves.”

“They knew what they were doing was wrong. They knew what they were doing was risking great danger to Mr. Perry,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said at a news conference. “But they did it anyways. In the end, these defendants were more interested in profiting off of Mr. Perry than caring for his well being.”

Perry, 54, was found face down in the pool at his Pacific Palisades home on October 28, 2023. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office attributed his death to the acute effects of ketamine, an anesthetic with psychedelic properties.

New Charges And Allegations In The Death Of Matthew Perry

According to an 18-count superseding indictment, the events leading to Perry’s death began in September when Santa Monica doctor Salvador Plasencia learned that Perry wanted ketamine. Though ketamine is known as a recreational drug, it’s increasingly used to treat depression and other mental health issues, but it carries serious medical risks.

Plasencia contacted Mark Chavez, a San Diego doctor with a ketamine clinic, to discuss pricing for the drug. In a text message, Plasencia questioned, “I wonder how much this moron will pay,” and suggested, “Let’s find out.”

Plasencia provided ketamine to Perry and his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, 59, administering the drug himself and training Iwamasa to do so. The indictment describes Plasencia’s involvement as “like a bad movie.”

From September until Perry’s death in late October, the doctors supplied about 20 vials of ketamine, costing nearly $55,000. In mid-October, Iwamasa sought additional ketamine from Erik Fleming, an acquaintance of Perry’s, who contacted Jasveen Sangha, a major underground seller known as the “ketamine queen.”

Sangha, a dual U.S. and U.K. citizen from North Hollywood, had a history of selling ketamine and other drugs. After a man overdosed on ketamine she provided in 2019, Sangha searched online to see if ketamine could be listed as a cause of death.

Sangha began supplying ketamine to Perry through Fleming, who coordinated sales with Iwamasa. On October 28, Iwamasa injected Perry with at least three doses of ketamine using syringes from Plasencia. Perry was found unresponsive in his pool later that day.

DEA chief Anne Millgram said at the Thursday news conference, “Matthew Perry’s journey began with unscrupulous doctors who abused their position of trust because they saw him as a payday. And it ended with street dealers who sold him ketamine in unmarked vials.”

On Thursday, authorities in Southern California arrested Sangha, 41, and Plasencia, 42. Both face a charge of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, with Sangha also confronting multiple drug-related charges.

Plasencia’s next court date is August 28.

The Dangers Of Ketamine

The news of Matthew Perry’s death highlights the serious risks of abusing ketamine. Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine is now used in controlled settings to treat severe depression. However, its misuse poses significant health dangers.

Ketamine can cause severe physical and psychological effects when abused. At lower doses, it may induce dissociation and hallucinations. At higher doses, users can experience a “K-hole,” leading to extreme confusion and detachment from reality. Long-term abuse can result in serious bladder issues, including ketamine-induced cystitis, which can be debilitating and require medical treatment.

Cognitive impairment is another serious risk of ketamine abuse, with frequent use potentially leading to memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and severe psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety. While ketamine is not typically physically addictive, psychological dependence can develop, leading users to seek out the drug repeatedly.

Finding Help For Ketamine Addiction

If you or someone you know is showing signs of ketamine addiction, it is essential to seek help before an addiction becomes deadly. For those using ketamine therapeutically, open communication with healthcare providers is crucial. They can help monitor for signs of misuse and adjust treatment plans as needed. Addiction specialists can provide comprehensive support, including counseling and treatment programs designed to address substance use disorders.

The recent news of the true nature of Matthew Perry’s death serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers of ketamine misuse. Whether used therapeutically or illicitly, ketamine carries risks that must be managed with care. By recognizing the signs of addiction early and seeking appropriate support, individuals can better safeguard their health and well-being while navigating the complex landscape of ketamine use.

To learn more about treatment options for ketamine addiction, contact a treatment provider today for free.