Friends tell BBC that 'Ketamine Queen' spiralled before Matthew Perry death

Jasveen Sangha seemed to have an enviable life: affluent family, excellent education, and a wide social circle. But behind this faade, she carried a dark secret hidden even from close friends.

The British-American dual national ran a drug operation supplying Hollywood elites, storing substances such as cocaine, Xanax, fake Adderall, and ketamine in what authorities called a "stash house." Her enterprise collapsed after she provided 50 vials of ketamine, some of which reached Matthew Perry, contributing to his overdose death in 2023.

Sangha is now one of five people, including two doctors, who have pleaded guilty in connection with Perrys death. She is scheduled to be the final defendant sentenced in February, facing a potential 65-year federal prison term. Perry, aged 54, was found dead at his Los Angeles home after struggling with depression and addiction.

Bill Bodner, former DEA special agent in Los Angeles, described Sangha as "a highly educated individual who chose drug trafficking to fund a social media influencer persona," running a "notably large operation catering to Hollywood's elite."

Prosecutors revealed that Perry initially used prescribed ketamine for depression but eventually sought larger amounts beyond medical guidance. Court documents show he obtained drugs from multiple doctors and intermediaries, eventually connecting to Sangha. Her lawyer, Mark Geragos, said she accepts responsibility but did not personally know Perry. "She has felt horrible from day one," he said.

Friends like Tony Marquez, who knew Sangha since the 2010s, shared insights into her dual life for an upcoming BBC iPlayer documentary. Marquez, who also had legal issues with drugs, noted Sangha never hinted at her illicit activities, even after a police raid on her North Hollywood home months before Perry's death.

Another longtime friend, Jash Negandhi, who studied with Sangha at the University of California, Irvine, recalled her as vibrant and engaged in the dance music scene. "She loved to dance and enjoy life," he said, expressing shock at learning about her drug dealings.

Despite apparent wealth and privilege, Sangha pursued entrepreneurial ambitions, including a short-lived nail salon and restaurant franchise ideas. However, her true passion seemed to be the Los Angeles nightlife, where she and a close group of friends, known as the "Kitties," threw multi-day, drug-fueled parties attended by celebrities. Ketamine was a consistent presence at these events.

Marquez described the extravagant parties: "We would rent mansions, bring DJs, and have themed nights for days. Ketamine was always part of it." Despite Sanghas many nicknames, none of her friends called her "The Ketamine Queen."

The group took precautions against contaminated drugs, sourcing high-quality ketamine from Mexico through various contacts, although Marquez insists he never suspected Sangha was trafficking herself. He believes her fascination with the Hollywood social scene may have drawn her into dealing, rather than a desire for criminal power.

However, prosecutors highlighted Sanghas more serious offenses. In 2019, ketamine she supplied contributed to the death of Cody McLaury. Following that, she continued distributing the drug, ultimately leading to Perry's death, according to Martin Estrada, former chief prosecutor for the Central District of California.

Other acquaintances, who partied with Sangha in the 2010s, were equally surprised. They described her as social and stylish, often accompanied by her uncle, Paul Sing. Sangha attended rehab in the 2020s and, according to court filings, had been sober for 17 months before pleading guilty. Friends recall her speaking optimistically about the future and staying clean, unaware of her recent legal troubles.

Sanghas story reflects a contrast between an outwardly glamorous life and the hidden dangers of an underground drug network intertwined with Hollywood's elite.

Author: Natalie Monroe