Los Angeles, CA — Five individuals have been charged in connection with the 2023 death of beloved actor Matthew Perry, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Thursday. Perry, who was best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit television series “Friends,” passed away in October 2023 at the age of 54. His death has now been linked to an underground network of drug dealers and suppliers who allegedly provided the ketamine that led to his demise.

At a press conference in Los Angeles, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada outlined the charges against the five defendants, which include two doctors, Perry’s live-in personal assistant, and a notorious figure referred to as “The Ketamine Queen.” Estrada accused the defendants of exploiting Perry’s struggles with addiction for financial gain, stating, “They knew what they were doing was wrong.”

Three of the five individuals have already reached plea agreements with federal prosecutors. The other two defendants, Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha, were indicted on Wednesday and have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

Plasencia, a doctor from Santa Monica, California, faces multiple charges, including one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, seven counts of distribution of ketamine, and two counts of altering and falsifying documents related to the federal investigation. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment and was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond. Plasencia also surrendered his DEA license, which permitted him to prescribe controlled substances, by order of Magistrate Judge Alka Sagar. His trial is scheduled for October 8.

Sangha, who Estrada described as operating “a drug-selling emporium” from her home, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute ketamine, and five counts of distribution of ketamine. Sangha, who holds dual U.S. and British citizenship, was denied bail due to concerns that she poses a significant flight risk. Prosecutors argued that Sangha’s extensive international travel history and her alleged involvement in drug trafficking made her a danger to the community and a potential flight risk.

Perry was found unresponsive in a stand-alone jacuzzi at his Pacific Palisades home on October 28, 2023. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed that the actor died from “acute effects of ketamine” and subsequent drowning.

DEA Administrator Anne Milgram commented on the case, highlighting the role of medical professionals and street dealers in Perry’s tragic death. “Matthew Perry’s journey began with unscrupulous doctors who abused their position of trust because they saw him as a payday, to street dealers who gave him ketamine in unmarked vials,” Milgram said. “Every day, the DEA works tirelessly with our federal, state, and local partners to protect the public and to hold accountable those that distribute deadly and dangerous drugs – whether they are local drug traffickers or doctors who violate their sworn oath to care for patients.”

The charges in this case serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the illegal drug trade and the devastating consequences it can have, even for those in the public eye. As the legal proceedings continue, the spotlight remains on the need for increased vigilance and accountability in the fight against drug-related crimes.