Ketamine Queen: Matthew Perry and Hollywood’s secret obsession with killer drugs

Jasmine Singha, identified as the 'Ketamine Queen,' was a central figure in an underground criminal network supplying ketamine to Matthew Perry and other wealthy clients. She sold Perry 25 vials for $6,000 just four days before his death, including the fatal dose. Singha pleaded guilty to five federal charges, explicitly admitting to causing Perry's death, and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, the stiffest sentence in the case.

Prosecutors stated Singha illegally sold Matthew Perry 25 vials of ketamine for $6,000 just four days before his death, which included the deadly dose. She pleaded guilty to five federal charges, including maintaining a drug-involved premise and ketamine distribution, and admitted causing Perry's death. She received the requested 15-year sentence.

Dr. Drew Pinsky highlights a recurring problem where physicians overprescribe addictive substances, a pattern seen with opioids and now ketamine. He notes that doctors are often swayed by the allure of treating celebrities, who can manipulate them with flattery or threats. This leads to treating famous patients differently, ignoring standard medical protocols and the progressive nature of addiction.

Dr. Drew states, 'physicians have been overprescribing it [ketamine]' and that 'celebrities can find physicians who are excited about taking care of celebrities.' He adds that addicts 'will use that to manipulate the doctor' and that doctors should not treat 'a patient different than any other.'

Ketamine is a legitimate treatment for recalcitrant depression, typically administered via 3-6 intravenous infusions by an anesthesiologist in a controlled medical setting. However, its use has expanded into less regulated forms like lollipops and nasal sprays for 'psychological services,' which lack scientific scrutiny for effectiveness or safety. For individuals with a history of addiction, even controlled ketamine can activate their addiction.

Dr. Drew explains ketamine is 'still a treatment for recalcitrant depression,' with 'three to six infusions by an anesthesiologist ideally.' He contrasts this with 'lollipops and nasal sprays and all kinds of versions of it out there,' which 'does not meet the level of clinical scrutiny scientific scrutiny.' He also warns, 'if somebody has a history of addiction, they should not be taking even this highly controlled version of ketamine.'

California law prevents families from compelling severely addicted individuals, particularly those suffering from methamphetamine or fentanyl addiction, into treatment. Despite the brain impairment caused by addiction, individuals must 'want treatment' to receive it. This legal barrier leaves families helpless, as attempting to force treatment can be deemed kidnapping, leading to preventable deaths among the homeless and addicted population.

Dr. Drew states, 'In California, you are not allowed to treat that person [with severe addiction] until they say, 'I want treatment.'' He adds that families 'begging for some means to get their loved one into treatment' are told 'to scram,' and 'if they go get them and take them to treatment, they are guilty of kidnapping.'

Despite high-profile cases like Matthew Perry's, the lucrative celebrity drug market in Los Angeles is unlikely to dissipate. Attorney Ambrosio Rodriguez notes that this culture constantly replenishes itself with new wealthy individuals seeking discreet access to narcotics. He suggests that significant political or legal crackdowns on clinics or illicit suppliers typically require the 'death of an innocent' (e.g., a teenager from fentanyl) to galvanize public and legislative action, rather than the death of an addict, even a beloved celebrity.

Ambrosio Rodriguez states, 'that culture and that market is so lucrative and that... there's always new people coming into it.' He believes a crackdown on clinics is unlikely 'not unless things get worse' and 'usually political action... requires the death of an innocent.' He contrasts this with fentanyl cases involving '16-year-old kids who bought a pill on Instagram' which 'galvanize political action.'