Matthew Perry’s death: Who are the five individuals charged with ketamine conspiracy? Details explored

Popular actor Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on the television show Friends, died at his home on October 28, 2023, after suffering from an overdose of ketamine, a powerful drug.

The incident has led to an extensive investigation, with five individuals charged in connection with his overdose getting arrested, revealing a troubling conspiracy to distribute ketamine.

The five are Fleming, Sangha, Plasencia, Chavez, Iwamas. including a known drug dealer named Jasveen Sangha, also called the "Ketamine Queen," have been arrested because they are connected to his death.

Jasveen Sangha is a drug dealer from North Hollywood and is accused of selling the ketamine that led to Perry's death. She had sold drugs before that ended up killing someone in 2019. The police found a lot of drugs at her house. It's said that Perry was looking for cheaper drugs, and that's why he ended up buying from her.

The investigation into Matthew Perry's death has unveiled a disturbing network that focused on supplying large quantities of ketamine to him, exploiting his struggles with addiction for profit.

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Who Is Charged in Matthew Perry's Death Investigation?

A press release following the investigation disclosed the identities and roles of the five people charged in the conspiracy. They include:

• Jasveen Sangha, aka "The Ketamine Queen," is alleged to have been a primary source of the ketamine supplied to Perry. She was arrested and is awaiting court proceedings.
• Dr. Salvador Plasencia stands accused of distributing ketamine to Perry through his live-in personal assistant. His actions were deemed outside the bounds of professional medical practice. Plasencia was also arrested and is awaiting arraignment.
• Erik Fleming admitted to receiving ketamine from Sangha and providing it to Perry’s assistant. He has pleaded guilty to charges related to the distribution of ketamine, including one that directly ties to Perry's death.
• Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry's live-in assistant, admitted to injecting Perry with ketamine, despite lacking medical training. He has also pleaded guilty to his involvement in the conspiracy.
• Dr. Mark Chavez confessed to selling ketamine to Plasencia and has agreed to plead guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.

All these individuals face serious charges, with potential sentences ranging from lengthy prison terms to life imprisonment, reflecting the gravity of their actions.

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The Ketamine Connection

Ketamine, the drug at the center of the tragedy, is a powerful medication primarily used for anesthesia but is also known for its recreational use due to its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects. Unfortunately, it has become increasingly abused as a street drug.

In Matthew Perry's death case, despite undergoing ketamine therapy legally to manage his anxiety and depression, the amount of ketamine found in his system at the time of his death was significantly higher than therapeutic levels. It shows he acquired ketamine outside his prescribed therapy, leading to the overdose.

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Deleted communications following the Overdose

As per the press release, starting in mid-October, Iwamasa obtained ketamine from Fleming and Sangha. After Matthew Perry’s death became public, Sangha messaged Fleming: "Delete all our messages," according to a press release.

The statement also details how Plasencia discussed with Chavez about supplying ketamine to Matthew Perry, noting in a text:

"I wonder how much this moron will pay," and "Lets [sic] find out."

Additionally, Sangha, knowing the risks of ketamine, had previously sold it to Cody McLaury, who overdosed hours later in August 2019.

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Matthew Perry's death was officially called an accident, caused by drugs and drowning. The Los Angeles medical expert said that drowning, heart disease and the impact of a medicine called buprenorphine, which helps with opioid addiction, all played a part in his death.

Matthew Perry had been open about his long struggle with opioid addiction. So, his death was classified as an accidental event.