Key findings revealed in the investigation of Matthew Perry’s death
When Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, was discovered dead in a hot tub at his Los Angeles residence last year, initial suspicions pointed towards an accidental incident.
Despite undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for his depression and showing no signs of foul play or drug paraphernalia, Perry was found to have drowned.
Having battled addiction for years, Perry had claimed to be sober at the time of his passing.
However, a coroner’s report revealed unusually high levels of ketamine in Perry’s system, consistent with levels used for surgical anaesthesia, despite his last therapy session occurring over a week prior.
A subsequent year-long investigation uncovered a complex underground ketamine distribution network, attempted cover-ups, and another tragic death.
The investigation resulted in the arrest of five individuals, including medical professionals, Perry’s assistant, and an alleged dealer known as the “Ketamine Queen”.
Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, pleaded guilty to distributing ketamine leading to death, while others involved also admitted to unlawfully distributing drugs.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, accused of supplying ketamine to Perry, faces charges of falsifying records, while the alleged dealer, Jasveen Sangha, faces multiple counts as well.
Both have pleaded not guilty in court.
‘The Ketamine Queen’ and the illicit drug trade
US District Court
An indictment photo reveals evidence found at the “Sangha stash house”, as described by authorities.
Sangha’s name prominently features in the investigation, being accused of supplying the ketamine that contributed to Perry’s demise on October 28, 2023.
Allegedly selling 50 vials of ketamine to Perry for a substantial sum, Sangha is portrayed as a drug trafficker aware of the lethal potential of the substances she distributed.
Her residence in North Hollywood was described as a hub for drug sales, containing a significant quantity of ketamine, along with other illicit substances.
Authorities also discovered a firearm at the location, highlighting the criminal nature of the operation.
Referred to as the “Sangha Stash House” in legal documents, the residence was allegedly used for packaging and distributing drugs, particularly catering to affluent and celebrity clients.
The indictment suggested that Sangha exclusively dealt with high-end customers, including celebrities.
Before concluding the news conference, authorities highlighted Sangha’s significant role as a primary supplier of ketamine to various individuals, including Perry.
Exploitation by doctors and dealers
A text from a doctor implicated in Perry’s death: ‘How much will this moron pay?’
As Perry’s addiction deepened, he sought ketamine from various sources, including street dealers, at lower costs.
Individuals involved in the case took advantage of Perry’s situation, prioritizing financial gain over his well-being.
In incriminating messages, Dr. Plasencia was quoted questioning how much Perry would pay for drugs and expressing a desire to become Perry’s primary drug supplier.
Reports indicated that Perry was charged exorbitant prices for ketamine, far exceeding their actual value, indicating a profit-oriented motive by the defendants.
Authorities disclosed that Perry purchased a significant quantity of ketamine from Dr. Plasencia within a short timeframe, despite signs of his escalating addiction.
Dr. Plasencia allegedly trained Iwamasa, Perry’s assistant, in administering ketamine, despite being aware of Perry’s deteriorating condition.
Even after witnessing adverse reactions in Perry, Dr. Plasencia continued to supply ketamine, prioritizing financial gain over the actor’s well-being.
Attempts at concealing the truth and a second tragic event
Following Perry’s demise, individuals linked to the drug supply chain made efforts to cover up their involvement, according to investigators.
Coded language was used to discuss ketamine, with attempts to erase digital evidence and falsify medical records to conceal illicit activities.
Furthermore, authorities revealed Sangha’s connection to another fatal overdose in 2019, indicating a pattern of negligence and criminal behavior.
The investigation uncovered Sangha’s awareness of the dangers of ketamine, yet she continued to distribute the substance, resulting in tragic consequences.
Sangha faces charges related to this previous incident, highlighting the extent of her criminal activities.
Assistant’s role in administering ketamine
Perry’s assistant, Iwamasa, not only discovered the actor’s lifeless body but also administered the fatal dose of ketamine, despite lacking proper medical training.
Court documents suggest that Iwamasa was complicit in Perry’s addiction, facilitating his access to ketamine without adequate knowledge or qualifications.
En los cuatro días previos y hasta la muerte de Perry, los fiscales dijeron que Iwamasa administró más de 20 dosis de ketamina, tres el día en que murió el actor. Fue acusado en julio de un cargo de conspiración para distribuir ketamina que resultó en la muerte y lesiones corporales graves. Los fiscales dijeron que desde entonces se ha declarado culpable del cargo. La ketamina se supone que debe ser administrada solo por un médico, dijeron los investigadores, y los pacientes que han tomado la droga deben ser monitoreados por un profesional debido a sus posibles efectos nocivos. El 10 de octubre, semanas antes de la muerte de Perry, el Dr. Plasencia compró 10 viales de ketamina al acusado co-conspirador Dr. Mark Chavez, que supuestamente tenía la intención de vender a Perry. Las autoridades dicen que el Dr. Plasencia luego se reunió con Perry e Iwamasa en un estacionamiento público, donde el doctor inyectó al actor mientras estaba dentro de un vehículo. Dos días después, supuestamente lo inyectó en casa con una gran dosis que hizo que “se congelara” y que su presión arterial aumentara. El Dr. Plasencia le dijo a Iwamasa algo así como: “No volvamos a hacer eso”. Pero supuestamente dejó viales adicionales con Iwamasa. El legado de Perry con la esperanza de ayudar a otros. El elenco de “Friends” fotografiado juntos en 2002. Perry fue sincero acerca de sus adicciones. Su memoria del año 2022 describía décadas luchando con el alcohol y las drogas. Escribió sobre su compañera de reparto Jennifer Anniston confrontándolo por oler alcohol en su aliento y los millones que gastó tratando de mantenerse sobrio. Dijo que esperaba que su sinceridad ayudara a otros que estaban luchando. La página de inicio de la Fundación Matthew Perry, creada después de su muerte, tiene su cita: “Cuando muera, quiero que ayudar a otros sea lo primero que se mencione”. La jefa de la Agencia Federal Antidrogas, Anne Milgram, dijo el jueves que las detenciones y los detalles públicos del caso de alto perfil probablemente ayudarán a otros y evitarán muertes, exactamente como quería Perry. El actor Matthew Perry debate la adicción en BBC Newsnight.