A Web of Greed: The Tragic Death of Matthew Perry and the Individuals Who Profited from It
The tragic death of beloved actor Matthew Perry in October 2023 has shed light on a disturbing network of individuals motivated by greed. Federal authorities have unveiled a complex conspiracy involving a circle of medical professionals, acquaintances, and a drug dealer known as the “ketamine queen.” These individuals allegedly exploited Perry’s vulnerable state to fill their own pockets, ultimately contributing to his accidental overdose death.
The Role of Doctors
At the center of the conspiracy were two doctors, Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez. Plasencia, a Santa Monica-based physician, learned of Perry’s desire for ketamine and saw an opportunity for financial gain. He reached out to Chavez, a San Diego doctor who had operated a ketamine clinic, and the two plotted to charge Perry exorbitant prices for the drug.
Over the following months, Plasencia and Chavez provided Perry with approximately 20 vials of ketamine at a cost of $55,000 in cash. Plasencia injected Perry with the drug himself and instructed Perry’s live-in personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, on how to do it as well. In text messages, Plasencia expressed amusement at the situation, referring to it as “a bad movie.”
The Involvement of an Acquaintance and the “Ketamine Queen”
As Perry’s ketamine addiction worsened, Iwamasa sought additional sources of the drug. He contacted an acquaintance of Perry’s, Erik Fleming, who in turn connected him with Jasveen Sangha, the “ketamine queen.” Sangha, a dual U.S. and U.K. citizen, had been a major underground drug dealer for years and was aware of the risks associated with ketamine.
Despite this knowledge, Sangha allegedly supplied ketamine to Perry through Fleming. On the day of Perry’s death, Iwamasa injected Perry with three shots of ketamine using syringes provided by Plasencia. The actor was later found unresponsive in his pool and pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The Aftermath and Legal Consequences
After Perry’s death, federal agents and detectives arrested Sangha and Plasencia on charges of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Sangha was also charged with several other drug-related offenses. Iwamasa, Fleming, and Chavez have all agreed to plead guilty to various charges related to their involvement in the conspiracy.
Perry’s stepfather and his family have expressed their gratitude for the law enforcement action and are looking forward to justice being served. The case highlights the dangerous consequences of drug abuse and the lengths to which some individuals will go to profit from others’ suffering.
Lessons Learned
The tragic death of Matthew Perry serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of drug addiction and the importance of seeking professional help. It also underscores the need for vigilance in the face of those who seek to exploit vulnerable individuals for their own gain.
As the case progresses through the legal system, it is likely to shed further light on the intricate web of greed and exploitation that surrounds the illicit drug trade. This knowledge can help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future and ensure that justice is done for Matthew Perry and his loved ones.
