Officials say those arrested in connection to Matthew Perry's death 'took advantage' of him

Officials have said that the people arrested in connection to Matthew Perry's untimely death last year 'knew what they were doing was wrong'.

Matthew Perry was found dead in his hot tub on 28 October, 2023, with the cause of death being revealed as 'the acute effects of ketamine'.

Traces of ketamine were found in the Friends star's system, but at the time it was ruled as an accidental overdose, sparking multiple questions from fans and officials alike.

The Los Angeles Police Department announced in May 2024 that it would be investigating the source of the ketamine found in his system.

A breakthrough came on Monday (August 12) when it was revealed that multiple people had been arrested in connection with Perry's death.

Multiple people have been arrested in connection with Matthew Perry's death. (Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for GQ)

On Thursday, even more details were revealed, with the US Department of Justice sharing that their investigation revealed a 'broad underground criminal network' that 'took advantage' of the actor by selling him ketamine.

Speaking on the case, US Attorney Martin Estrada, said: “This network included a live-in assistant, various go-betweens, two medical doctors, and a major source of drug supply known as 'The Ketamine Queen'.

“These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry's addiction issues to enrich themselves. They knew what they were doing was wrong. They knew what they were doing was risking great danger to Mr. Perry.

"But they did it anyways. In the end, these defendants were more interested in profiting off Mr. Perry than caring for his well being."

The five suspects have been revealed to be:

• Jasveen Sangha, coined as 'The Ketamine Queen,' who's been accused of selling Perry the dose of ketamine that killed him.
• Dr Salvador Plasencia, a licensed medical doctor who allegedly distributed approximately 20 vials of ketamine to Perry.
• Dr Mark Chavez, another licensed medical doctor who helped obtain the ketamine.
• Erik Fleming, a 'broker' and acquaintance of Perry's who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death.
• Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry's live-in assistant who worked with Sangha and Chavez to obtain the ketamine and who administered it to him, despite not having medical training to do so.

Perry was open about his struggles with drug addiction prior to his death. (Michael Buckner/Getty Images)

Chavez, Iwasama, and Fleming have pleaded guilty to charges so far.

Perry spoke about his drug addictions many times throughout his career, most notably in his 2022 memoir Friends, Lovers, and The Big Terrible Thing.

If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can call American Addiction Centers on (313) 209-9137 24/7, or contact them through their website.