Ketamine Queen Sentenced to 15 Years in Matthew Perry Death Case

Jasveen Sangha, a drug dealer known by prosecutors as the Ketamine Queen, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on April 8, 2026. The sentence follows her role in the overdose death of Matthew Perry, the actor best known for portraying Chandler Bing on the sitcom Friends.

U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Garnett delivered the sentence during a hearing at the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The 180-month term aligns with the sentence recommended by federal prosecutors, which is more severe than the penalties handed to Sangha’s four co-defendants in the case.

Criminal Charges and Legal Proceedings

Sangha, a 42-year-old American-British dual-national, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to five felony charges. These charges included one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of the distribution of ketamine and one count of distributing ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury.

Prosecutors described Sangha’s residence in North Hollywood as a drug-selling emporium. According to court documents, she marketed herself as an exclusive dealer who specifically catered to high-profile Hollywood clientele to expand and profit from her trafficking operation.

During the sentencing proceedings, the judge noted that Sangha had shown no remorse in the years following her arrest. However, when given the opportunity to address the court, Sangha stated that she was deeply ashamed and sorry, admitting that her poor decisions had shattered the lives of others.

The Death of Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry was found dead in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home in October 2023. He was 54 years old at the time of his death and had struggled with substance abuse for several decades.

Investigators determined that the cause of death was the acute effects of ketamine. Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic with hallucinogenic effects that is intended to be administered only by a physician.

Victim Impact and Court Testimony

The sentencing hearing included emotional testimony from the family of the actor. Debbie Perry, the stepmother of Matthew Perry, submitted a victim impact statement to the California court on April 7, 2026, in which she urged the judge to impose the maximum possible prison sentence.

You caused this… You who has talent for business enough to make money chose the one way that hurts people. Please give this heartless woman the maximum prison sentence so she won’t be able to hurt other families like ours.

Debbie Perry

Debbie Perry described the damage caused by Sangha as irreversible. Sangha was observed sobbing as the relatives of Perry addressed the court prior to the announcement of the 15-year sentence.

Federal prosecutors argued that Sangha knowingly disregarded the grave harm her conduct was causing while continuing to cultivate her business among wealthy and well-connected clients.