Jasbeen Sangha Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison
Jasbeen Sangha, a 42-year-old drug dealer infamously referred to as North Hollywood’s “Ketamine Queen,” has received a 15-year federal prison sentence. This ruling follows her guilty plea for distributing the ketamine linked to the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry in October 2023. Prosecutors highlighted Sangha’s operation of a significant “drug outlet” that knowingly supplied harmful doses.
Last year, Sangha pleaded guilty to five federal charges, which included three counts of ketamine distribution and one count related to causing serious injury or death. Since 2019, she had been conducting extensive drug transactions from her North Hollywood residence. Authorities noted that she kept large reserves of drugs, including methamphetamine and ketamine—often marketed to “high-profile” clients.
Prior to sentencing, prosecutors stated that Sangha had shown minimal remorse and justified the 15-year sentence as a necessary consequence of her “cold-hearted insensitivity and disregard for life.” They also pointed out a recorded conversation in which she mentioned “trademarking” and securing “book rights” regarding her case.
Perry’s stepmother, Debbie Perry, appealed to the judge for the maximum sentence, saying: “Please give this heartless woman the maximum possible prison sentence so she doesn’t hurt other families like ours.”
Despite these sentiments, Sangha offered an apology in court, expressing shame over her actions and their impact on families involved. She claimed, “I have done everything I can to be a better person.”
However, federal prosecutors countered, asserting Sangha’s lack of genuine remorse and her attempts to minimize responsibility for her actions. They emphasized that she continued her sales without accountability, prioritizing profit over the safety of others.
Prosecutors insisted that Sangha could have ceased operations after recognizing their consequences but chose not to, warranting a harsh sentence. On the other hand, her defense argued for leniency, citing her potential for rehabilitation during her detention since August 2024.
The case revealed that Sangha collaborated with Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who administered ketamine directly to Perry. In the days before Perry’s death, records showed multiple injections of the drug administered by Iwamasa, leading to Perry’s accidental drowning while in a hot tub.
According to the Justice Department, “specifically, on October 28, 2023, Iwamasa injected Perry with Sangha’s ketamine at least three times, which caused Perry’s death.”
Furthermore, authorities indicated that Sangha’s distribution activities predated the Perry affair, mentioning a prior incident involving another individual who fatally overdosed in 2019 after obtaining ketamine from her.
Prosecutors expressed concern that Sangha did not acknowledge her role in those cases and only cited Perry’s death to deflect blame.
Matthew Perry’s demise was primarily attributed to the profound effects of ketamine, leading to his drowning. Autopsy findings indicated an extremely high concentration of the drug in his system, consistent with doses used in anesthesia. It was determined that this level likely left him unconscious, contributing to his tragic accident.
Other health factors, such as pre-existing coronary artery disease and the presence of buprenorphine, which can enhance ketamine’s effects, were also identified as contributing to the incident.
While ketamine overdoses can be fatal, such occurrences are rare, often occurring alongside other substances. The drug’s respiratory and cardiovascular impacts can be severe at high doses, and fatalities usually involve combinations with central nervous system depressants like alcohol or opioids.
