'Ketamine Queen' gets 15 years in prison over death of 'Friends' star Matthew Perry

Jayvee Sangha, 42, pleaded guilty to multiple drug-related charges, including distributing ketamine that resulted in death. She admitted to operating a "stash house" for narcotics out of her home in North Hollywood, Los Angeles.

In Short

• Jayvee Sangha sentenced to 15 years in prison for drug charges
• Sangha admitted to running a ketamine stash house in North Hollywood
• Matthew Perry died from acute ketamine effects causing drowning

A drug dealer dubbed the “Ketamine Queen” was sentenced on Wednesday to 15 years in prison for her role in the fatal overdose of “Friends” star Matthew Perry, including supplying the dose that killed him, Reuters reported.

The case, which exposed how addiction can be exploited even at the highest levels of fame, ended with one of the harshest sentences among those charged in connection with Perry’s 2023 death.

Jayvee Sangha, 42, pleaded guilty to multiple drug-related charges, including distributing ketamine that resulted in death. She admitted to operating a “stash house” for narcotics out of her home in North Hollywood, Los Angeles.

US District Judge Sherilyn Garnett handed down the 15-year sentence, aligning with prosecutors’ recommendation and rejecting the defense’s plea for time served. Sangha had been in custody since August 2024.

Perry, best known for playing Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends, was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. He was 54. An autopsy later confirmed he died from the “acute effects of ketamine,” which caused him to lose consciousness and drown.

According to prosecutors, Perry had been undergoing medically supervised ketamine therapy for depression before seeking higher doses from illegal sources. When doctors refused to increase his dosage, he turned to suppliers willing to profit from his dependency.

Authorities said Sangha supplied dozens of ketamine vials through intermediaries, including dealer Erik Fleming, with the drugs eventually reaching Perry through his personal assistant. Prosecutors said the assistant administered multiple injections shortly before the actor’s death.

Sangha also admitted she knew the drugs were intended for Perry and acknowledged involvement in another overdose case in 2019.

Four others, including two doctors, have also pleaded guilty in the case, highlighting a network that authorities say exploited Perry’s vulnerability.

The sentencing marks a key moment in a case that has drawn global attention, not just for the celebrity involved but for the broader questions it raises about prescription drug misuse and accountability.

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