Jasveen Sangha – Sentenced to 15 Years for Matthew Perry Death
On April 8, 2026, a federal judge in Los Angeles sentenced a 42-year-old British-American woman to 15 years in prison for supplying the ketamine that killed Friends star Matthew Perry. The woman, Jasveen Sangha, had operated a high-volume drug operation from her North Hollywood apartment for years.
Prosecutors gave her a nickname that stuck: the “Ketamine Queen.” Her case became a landmark in the federal crackdown on illicit ketamine distribution, especially among wealthy clients in Hollywood.
Who is Jasveen Sangha?
Jasveen Sangha was born in the United Kingdom on July 22, 1983, and moved to the United States at age three. She grew up in Southern California and later earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California and a master’s degree from Hult International Business School in England. Court records describe her as a dual citizen of the U.S. and the U.K.
Overview
- Full Name: Jasveen Sangha
- Born: July 22, 1983 (age 42)
- Nationality: British-American
- Conviction: Distribution of ketamine resulting in death; sentenced to 15 years
- Known as: “Ketamine Queen”
Key Insights
- Sangha was the central supplier of the ketamine that killed Matthew Perry in October 2023.
- Her prosecution was part of a larger federal operation targeting illegal ketamine distribution in Los Angeles.
- The 15-year sentence (180 months) reflects the severity of a drug distribution case involving a death.
- Her nickname “Ketamine Queen” arose from her reputation as a high-volume dealer in North Hollywood.
- The case highlighted the dangers of unregulated ketamine use, even among celebrities.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jasveen Sangha |
| Also known as | Ketamine Queen |
| Date of Birth | July 22, 1983 |
| Age at sentencing | 42 |
| Nationality | British-American |
| Conviction | Distribution of ketamine resulting in death |
| Sentence | 15 years (180 months) in federal prison |
| Sentencing Date | April 8, 2026 |
| Court | U.S. District Court, Central District of California |
| Victim | Matthew Perry |
| Drug involved | Ketamine |
| Operating area | North Hollywood, California |
What role did Jasveen Sangha play in Matthew Perry’s death?
According to federal prosecutors, Sangha worked with another dealer, Erik Fleming, to supply ketamine to Matthew Perry. In the month before Perry’s death, Sangha and Fleming sold him 51 vials of ketamine, delivered to Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iamasa. Just four days before Perry died on October 28, 2023, Sangha sold him 25 vials for $6,000 – including the dose that proved fatal.
The evidence linking her to Perry
Prosecutors presented text messages, financial records, and testimony showing that Sangha knew she was selling to Perry. She admitted to using her North Hollywood apartment for storage, packaging, and distribution of ketamine and methamphetamine since at least 2019. Investigators described her apartment as a “drug-selling emporium.”
Other victims
Sangha also acknowledged selling ketamine to Cody McLaury, a 33-year-old who died of an overdose in 2019, years before Perry’s case. Prosecutors noted that even after learning her ketamine had contributed to McLaury’s death, she continued to sell dangerous drugs.
Sangha continued distributing ketamine even after she became aware of McLaury’s overdose death, according to court documents. Authorities described this as a flagrant disregard for the harm caused by her actions.
What was Jasveen Sangha’s sentence and legal outcome?
Sangha pleaded guilty in September 2025 to five federal counts: maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of ketamine distribution, and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury. She had been in federal custody since her arrest in August 2024.
The sentencing hearing
On April 8, 2026, U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett imposed a sentence of 180 months (15 years) in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Sangha faced a maximum of 65 years, but prosecutors requested 15 years, which the judge accepted.
“Jasveen Sangha was a drug dealer who peddled poison,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada. “Her actions led to the death of Matthew Perry, and today she faces the consequences.”
Where does this fit in the broader investigation?
Sangha is the third of five individuals to be sentenced in connection with Perry’s overdose. Her case is part of a federal probe into a network of dealers and medical professionals who supplied the actor with ketamine outside of legitimate medical channels.
- Maintaining a drug-involved premises
- Three counts of ketamine distribution
- One count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death
The charge of “distribution of ketamine resulting in death” carries a mandatory minimum sentence under federal law. It is often used in cases where a dealer’s product directly causes a fatal overdose, even if the dealer did not physically administer the drug.
Why is Jasveen Sangha called the ‘Ketamine Queen’?
The nickname originated from prosecutors and media reports describing Sangha as a high-volume ketamine dealer who marketed herself to affluent Hollywood clients. Her operation, run from a midrise apartment in North Hollywood, was called a “drug-selling emporium.” She catered to an exclusive clientele to maintain a lavish lifestyle.
Her background and operation
Sangha moved from England to the U.S. at age three and grew up in Southern California. She earned advanced degrees but turned to drug dealing. Court records show she used her North Hollywood residence for storage, packaging, and distribution of ketamine and methamphetamine from at least 2019 onward. She worked with Erik Fleming, who helped distribute drugs to Perry.
The nickname “Ketamine Queen” was widely used in court filings and press releases, and it stuck in headlines around the world.
Sangha’s case became international news partly because of her dual British-American citizenship and her connection to a beloved actor. BBC News referred to her as the “Ketamine Queen” in its coverage of the sentencing.
Timeline of events
- – Jasveen Sangha born in the United Kingdom.
- – Sangha establishes herself as a high-volume ketamine dealer in North Hollywood.
- – Cody McLaury dies from a ketamine overdose supplied by Sangha.
- – Matthew Perry dies from acute effects of ketamine.
- – Federal investigation into Perry’s death uncovers Sangha’s role.
- – Sangha arrested and charged.
- – Sangha pleads guilty to five federal counts.
- – Sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.
What we know – and what remains unclear
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Sangha sold the ketamine that directly caused Matthew Perry’s death (confirmed by court evidence and guilty verdict). | The exact number of clients she supplied is unknown; only some have been publicly identified. |
| She was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison on April 8, 2026. | Whether she had any direct personal relationship with Matthew Perry is not fully established. |
| She operated as a ketamine dealer in North Hollywood for years. | The extent of her involvement in other celebrity drug cases has not been disclosed. |
| Prosecutors called her the “Ketamine Queen.” | Her total financial gains from the drug operation have not been detailed in public documents. |
Analysis and context: The ‘Ketamine Queen’ case
The case underscores the growing problem of illicit ketamine use, especially among wealthy individuals seeking off‑label mental health treatments. Sangha’s sentencing is among the most high‑profile drug‑related celebrity death cases since the conviction of Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson’s doctor. Federal prosecutors leveraged the “distribution resulting in death” statute, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence. The case has also reignited conversations about the regulation of ketamine clinics and online sales. Sangha’s dual British‑American identity made international headlines, highlighting cross‑border drug networks.
Key quotes and official sources
“Jasveen Sangha was a drug dealer who peddled poison. Her actions led to the death of Matthew Perry, and today she faces the consequences.”
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada, via Justice Department press release
“Jasveen Sangha was found guilty of selling drugs that killed Friends actor Matthew Perry who had struggled with addiction for years.”
BBC News, April 8, 2026
Primary sources include the U.S. Department of Justice press release, the Wikipedia article on Jasveen Sangha, BBC News coverage, and reporting from Sky News and NBC News.
Summary: What does the Jasveen Sangha case mean?
Jasveen Sangha’s conviction and 15‑year sentence mark a significant moment in the enforcement of drug laws surrounding ketamine, particularly when a dealer’s product leads to a celebrity death. The case exposed a shadowy network of high‑end drug distribution in Los Angeles and sent a clear message about legal consequences. For a deeper look at other infamous crime figures, you can read about John Gotti – Biography, Death, Net Worth, and Legacy and Al Capone – The Untold Story of Chicago’s Notorious Gangster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Jasveen Sangha now?
As of April 2026, she is in federal custody awaiting transfer to a prison facility to serve her 15‑year sentence.
Did Jasveen Sangha have any prior convictions?
Public records indicate she had a prior criminal history related to drug offenses, though details are limited.
What is a “Ketamine Queen”?
The nickname was used by prosecutors to describe Sangha’s reputation as a major ketamine dealer in the Los Angeles area.
How much ketamine did Jasveen Sangha sell?
Court documents suggest she sold multiple kilograms of ketamine over several years, but exact quantities are not fully public.
Was Jasveen Sangha involved with other celebrities?
No other celebrity victims have been publicly linked to her, though the investigation was ongoing.
Who else was charged in Matthew Perry’s death?
Four other individuals were charged, including doctors and dealers. Sangha is the third to be sentenced.
Did Jasveen Sangha meet Matthew Perry in person?
It is not fully established whether she met him. The drug was delivered through an intermediary.
What is the DEA’s stance on ketamine?
The Drug Enforcement Administration classifies ketamine as a Schedule III controlled substance, meaning it has a moderate to low potential for dependence but is still regulated.
How long will Jasveen Sangha serve before possible release?
Federal prisoners typically serve at least 85% of their sentence. She may be eligible for release after about 12 years and 9 months, minus any good‑time credits.
What was the role of Erik Fleming?
Erik Fleming, 56, of Hawthorne, California, worked with Sangha to distribute ketamine to Perry. He has also been charged and is awaiting sentencing.
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