When Friends actor Matthew Perry was found dead in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home last year, it appeared to be an accident.
Despite his claim of being clean from addiction, high levels of ketamine were found in his blood, which should not have been present since his last therapy appointment over a week prior.
A subsequent investigation led to five arrests, including medical doctors, Perry’s assistant, and an alleged dealer known as the “Ketamine Queen”.
The assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute ketamine causing death, while two others, Eric Fleming and Dr. Mark Chavez, also pleaded guilty to unlawful drug distribution.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, accused of supplying ketamine to Perry, is charged with falsifying records, and alleged dealer Jasveen Sangha faces nine counts, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution of ketamine resulting in death.
Both have pleaded not guilty in court on Thursday.
Ms Sangha, a 41-year-old dual British and American citizen, has been under the radar of federal authorities for her involvement in the distribution of dangerous narcotics. Dubbed the”Ketamine Queen of Los Angeles,” Ms Sangha allegedly ran a drug operation out of her North Hollywood home, where officials claim she stored, packaged, and distributed various narcotics. According to a federal indictment, her residence was described as a “drug-selling emporium” filled with methamphetamine, cocaine, and prescription drugs like Xanax.
The Los Angeles Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration announced in May that they had initiated a joint criminal investigation to determine how Perry acquired the prescription medication and the reason for the high level of the drug in his system.
The investigation has brought to light an extensive underground criminal network involved in the distribution of large quantities of ketamine to Mr. Perry and others, as stated by Estrada on Thursday. It is evident that this investigation is a significant step towards dismantling these illegal activities and ensuring a safer community for everyone.
