Matthew Perry's Death Sparks Federal Probe: Doctors Exploited Addiction with Overpriced Ketamine

June 16, 2025
Matthew Perry's Death Sparks Federal Probe: Doctors Exploited Addiction with Overpriced Ketamine
  • Jasveen Sangha, referred to as 'The Ketamine Queen,' faces multiple charges, including one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and is scheduled for trial in August 2025.

  • Perry reportedly paid around $55,000 for six to eight shots of ketamine per day over the month he was receiving the drug from Plasencia and others.

  • The plea deal was announced on June 13, 2025, and his sentencing is anticipated following the plea, which may reduce his sentence to just a few years.

  • Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a physician linked to Perry's death, has accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine to the actor.

  • In the weeks leading up to Perry's death, Plasencia and Chavez distributed 20 vials of ketamine to him for a total of $55,000, significantly marking up the price from their own cost.

  • U.S. prosecutors accused the five defendants of exploiting Perry's addiction problems for financial gain, with evidence suggesting they were aware of the health risks associated with ketamine use.

  • Chavez has already pleaded guilty and faces up to 10 years in prison, while federal authorities have noted that Perry fell back into the hands of unscrupulous doctors.

  • The vials, purchased for $12 each, were sold to Perry for up to $2,000, despite his known severe addiction and ongoing therapy involving ketamine for depression.

  • The investigation revealed a pattern of exploitation, with law enforcement officials stating that Perry's desperation led him to unscrupulous medical professionals and drug dealers rather than receiving proper help.

  • Plasencia is accused of being a central figure in the case, having organized the exploitation of Perry, who was in the midst of a relapse, despite not providing the fatal vial directly.

  • Perry's long-standing struggle with addiction was well-documented, dating back to his time on 'Friends', where he was a prominent figure alongside major stars like Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox.

  • Matthew Perry was found dead in his hot tub in October 2023, prompting a federal investigation that has intensified over the past year.

Summary based on 25 sources


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