In a significant development in the case surrounding the tragic death of actor Matthew Perry, law enforcement has announced charges against a prominent drug dealer and a physician. The dealer, known as Jasveen Sangha, and the doctor, Salvador Plasencia, have been implicated in connection with Perry’s fatal overdose, which was attributed to the acute effects of ketamine.
On October 28, 2023, Matthew Perry was discovered unresponsive in the jacuzzi at his Pacific Palisades home. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that his death was caused by the high levels of ketamine in his system. Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on "Friends," had previously struggled with addiction and had been open about his battles with opioid use and alcoholism.
According to the indictment unsealed on August 15, 2024, Sangha, who was referred to as the 'Ketamine Queen,' was accused of supplying the drug that ultimately led to Perry’s death. The indictment details that Perry's assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, administered the ketamine to Perry on the day of his death. The syringe used was provided by Dr. Plasencia, who had a history of distributing ketamine to both Perry and his assistant. Both Sangha and Plasencia were arrested in a coordinated operation in Southern California.
Sangha had previously been arrested in March on unrelated federal drug charges but had been released after posting a $100,000 bond. As of now, no response has been received from her lawyer. Similarly, Dr. Plasencia’s legal representation has not been identified in the court records.
The case has drawn significant public and media attention, particularly given Perry’s high profile and the nature of his passing. His family, including stepfather Keith Morrison, expressed their heartbreak over his death but welcomed the action taken by law enforcement, hoping it would bring justice.
The indictment not only charges Sangha and Plasencia but also lists additional co-conspirators. The legal documents allege that the distribution network involved coded language and encrypted messages to facilitate the illegal drug trade. Ketamine, while a well-known anesthetic and party drug, has also gained attention in recent years for its potential in treating depression, although Perry's autopsy indicated that the ketamine levels in his body were inconsistent with his last legal therapy session.
This case mirrors other high-profile drug investigations, such as the conviction of Dr. Conrad Murray in the death of Michael Jackson and recent federal charges against individuals involved in the death of actor Michael K. Williams. It underscores the serious consequences of illegal drug distribution and its impact on individuals struggling with addiction.
As the legal process unfolds, the public will continue to watch closely, hoping for a resolution that addresses the gravity of Perry’s death and the broader issues surrounding drug abuse and distribution.
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