The woman known as the Ketamine Queen just got 15 years for her role in Matthew Perry's death

A California woman known as the "Ketamine Queen" has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for her role in the death of actor Matthew Perry. Jasveen Sangha, whose nickname stemmed from her alleged distribution of large quantities of ketamine, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to multiple drug-related charges, including conspiracy to distribute the powerful anesthetic. The sentencing, handed down this week, marks a key moment in the legal fallout from Perry's death in October 2023.

According to court documents, Sangha was part of a network that supplied the dose of ketamine Perry received shortly before his death. While the drug was not the sole factor, prosecutors emphasized that the high levels found in his system were directly linked to the batch she distributed. Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic sitcom "Friends," had been open about his long-standing struggles with addiction. His death sparked widespread public attention and renewed scrutiny over the underground ketamine market.

Ketamine, originally used as an anesthetic, has gained popularity in recent years for off-label use in treating depression and anxiety. But its rise has also led to a black-market surge, with dealers repackaging diverted medical supplies for recreational or unregulated therapeutic use. Authorities say Sangha operated within this gray zone, marketing the drug to clients seeking mental health relief while bypassing legal and medical safeguards.

During her plea hearing, prosecutors described Sangha as a central figure in a loosely organized supply chain that moved ketamine from medical facilities to private buyers across Southern California. She did not personally administer the drug to Perry, but investigators traced the specific formulation back to her network through packaging and distribution patterns. Her cooperation with law enforcement was limited, according to officials, which may have influenced the length of her sentence.

The case has drawn attention not only because of Perry's fame but also because it highlights the risks tied to unregulated access to prescription-grade drugs. Medical experts warn that ketamine, while beneficial in controlled settings, can be dangerous when used without supervision-especially for people with underlying health conditions. Perry's autopsy noted drowning as the immediate cause of death, but listed ketamine intoxication as a contributing factor.

Outside the courtroom, reactions have been mixed. Some see the sentence as a necessary deterrent against profiting from the mental health crisis, while others argue it oversimplifies a complex issue involving demand, access to care, and addiction. Advocates for drug policy reform say the focus should shift toward expanding safe, legal treatment options rather than solely punishing suppliers.

As the entertainment world continues to grapple with Perry's passing, this sentencing closes one chapter-but also opens broader conversations about how society handles both grief and healing in an era of rising mental health challenges.