Five individuals have been charged in connection with the drug-related death of actor Matthew Perry. The charges stem from a complex underground drug distribution network, with authorities implicating Perry’s personal assistant, two doctors, and others.
Matthew Perry, 54, passed away at his Los Angeles home in October, with authorities finding a high concentration of ketamine in his blood. A post-mortem examination concluded that the “acute effects” of the drug were responsible for his death. Investigators revealed that the ketamine, which is used as an anesthetic, had been administered to Perry in the weeks leading up to his death.
The defendants allegedly exploited Perry’s addiction issues for financial gain, knowing that the drugs they were supplying could be lethal. Three of the accused, including Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, have already pleaded guilty to charges related to the scheme. Two others—Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a physician who provided the drug, and Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the “Ketamine Queen”—were arrested recently.
Prosecutors revealed the details of the operation, which included supplying over $50,000 worth of ketamine to Perry. Iwamasa, who is accused of administering multiple injections to Perry, reportedly did so despite previous warnings from Dr. Plasencia about the risks of large doses. In the four days before Perry’s death, Iwamasa allegedly injected Perry with at least 27 shots of ketamine.
Ketamine, which has legitimate medical uses for depression and pain management, is dangerous when misused. Experts have long warned against unregulated, unsupervised use, especially in the form of infusion therapy.
The investigation further revealed that the defendants attempted to cover up their actions after Perry’s death. Ms. Sangha allegedly instructed others to delete incriminating messages, while Dr. Plasencia is accused of falsifying medical records.
Perry, who had battled addiction throughout his life, was open about his struggles in his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.” Despite undergoing treatment and being mostly sober since 2001, Perry’s tragic death highlights the ongoing dangers of addiction and the criminal exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
The defendants are expected to stand trial in October. While some have pleaded guilty, others deny the charges, maintaining their innocence as the investigation continues.
