Five individuals have been arrested as part of a drug investigation into the death of actor Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the television show “Friends.”
During a press conference on Thursday morning, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada announced the results of a federal investigation into a “broad underground criminal network” allegedly involved in the sale of ketamine to Perry. Among those charged are Perry’s live-in assistant, several doctors, and a key drug supplier, referred to as “The Ketamine Queen.”
Estrada detailed that the network included Salvador Plasencia, a physician; Jasveen Sangha, a drug trafficker; Mark Chavez, another doctor; Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s live-in assistant; and Erik Fleming, a broker. The investigation revealed that these individuals exploited Perry’s addiction, selling him ketamine over a period of two months before his death on October 28, 2023, at age 54.
“These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves,” Estrada said. “They knew their actions were wrong and dangerous, but chose to profit from Mr. Perry’s vulnerabilities rather than helping him.”
The investigation uncovered that during the fall of 2023, approximately 20 vials of ketamine were distributed to Perry in exchange for $55,000. Plasencia reportedly mocked Perry in a text message, expressing disdain for the actor’s situation. On one occasion, Plasencia injected Perry with ketamine, which caused a severe reaction. Despite witnessing Perry’s distress, Plasencia left additional vials for Iwamasa, who lacked medical training.
Plasencia is facing a maximum sentence of 120 years in federal prison. The DEA reported that the doctors charged $2,000 per vial of ketamine, while the actual cost to obtain the drug was around $12. As Perry’s addiction worsened, he turned to street dealers, who sold him the ketamine that ultimately led to his death.
The defendants reportedly discussed their illegal activities in text messages. Following Perry’s death, Sangha, known as “The Ketamine Queen,” texted Fleming instructing him to delete their messages. Plasencia also falsified medical records in an attempt to legitimize his actions.
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Anne Milgram, DEA administrator, criticized the actions of the individuals involved, stating, “Matthew Perry’s journey began with unscrupulous doctors who abused their positions of trust, and it ended with street dealers who sold him dangerous drugs in unmarked vials. The exploitation Perry faced was met with profit-seeking rather than assistance.”
Further investigation led to a search of Sangha’s residence, where authorities discovered a significant amount of drugs, including 80 vials of ketamine, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Sangha faces a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Estrada emphasized the gravity of the charges, asserting, “By filing these extensive and serious charges, we are sending a clear message. If you are in the business of selling dangerous drugs, we will hold you accountable for the deaths you cause.”
Perry was found dead in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home. Initially, his death was ruled an accidental overdose. However, in May, the LAPD began collaborating with federal authorities to trace the origin of the ketamine found in Perry’s system. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office reported that Perry died from the “acute effects of ketamine,” with contributing factors including drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine, a drug used to treat opioid addiction. The toxicology report indicated that high levels of ketamine led to cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression.
Perry’s death was met with widespread grief from his fans and colleagues. His “Friends” co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer issued a joint statement, expressing their profound sadness. “We were more than just castmates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss,” the statement read. “In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
