A new documentary reveals that Matthew Perry, a former star of “Friends,” was given 27 doses of ketamine in the three days preceding his death on October 28, 2023. The documentary focuses on the criminal network implicated in his fatal overdose.

The documentary, “Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy,” was released on Tuesday, February 25, by Peacock. It offers a detailed account of the investigation that resulted in charges against five individuals. These include two doctors, Perry’s assistant, and an alleged drug dealer dubbed the “Ketamine Queen.”

The investigation was spearheaded by U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada, who argues that Perry’s addiction was exploited for profit by a group of medical professionals and others. “In the past, we used to call these things ‘overdose deaths’ and do more blaming of the victim. We don’t do that anymore,” Estrada states in the documentary. The focus is now on bringing those who supplied the drugs to justice.

At the age of 54, Perry lost his life to an overdose. His struggles with addiction were well-known. As per the New York Post, his autopsy confirmed that his death was due to the “acute effects of ketamine,” with his death classified as an accidental drowning.

The criminal charges suggest that Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Dr. Mark Chavez, drug dealer Jasveen Sangha, Perry’s personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, and intermediary Erik Fleming were part of a “broad underground criminal network” involved in the procurement and distribution of ketamine.

Among the key findings of the investigation were text messages revealing Dr. Plasencia’s alleged view of Perry’s addiction as a profitable opportunity. He reportedly referred to Perry as “this moron” who would pay inflated prices for ketamine, as per the doctor’s messages.

Iwamasa, who was Perry’s live-in assistant, has already accepted guilt for conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. Court records indicate that he confessed to injecting Perry with ketamine multiple times daily during the actor’s last weeks, despite lacking medical training. It is alleged that Dr. Plasencia instructed Iwamasa on how to give the injections.

The probe disclosed that Perry initially received legitimate ketamine treatments for depression from other doctors. However, when these doctors refused to supply more ketamine, Perry sought help from the individuals who are now facing charges.

Investigators found that Sangha, the alleged “Ketamine Queen,” sold more than 50 vials of ketamine to Perry through Fleming, who served as an intermediary. Sangha was also linked to another ketamine overdose death in 2019, suggesting a trend of dangerous distribution.

“There needs to be accountability,” prosecutors underscored in the documentary. They pointed out that Perry should not have been left alone while under the influence of ketamine.

According to medical experts, ketamine, while safe under appropriate medical supervision, can pose significant risks when misused. The CDC reports that ketamine was detected in 0.4% of overdose deaths in the United States between July 2019 and June 2023, with an estimated 82% of those deaths involving multiple substances.

The joint trial of Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha, originally set to begin on March 4, 2025, has been delayed to August 19, 2025. Defense attorneys requested the delay, which was granted by U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett to avoid a potential miscarriage of justice.

Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. The delay in the trial underscores the complexities involved in preparing a defense in such serious charges. The trial is anticipated to draw substantial media attention due to Perry’s prominence from the TV show “Friends” and his public battles with addiction.

The upcoming trial will concentrate on the alleged participation of Sangha and Plasencia in the distribution of ketamine that resulted in Perry’s fatal overdose. Both defendants have waived their rights to a speedy trial, recognizing the need for comprehensive preparation.

The documentary offers a grim portrayal of how Perry, despite his wealth and fame, was susceptible to exploitation by those who should have prioritized his health. It also highlights the perils of using ketamine outside of proper medical supervision, particularly for those with a history of substance abuse.