Five people, including two doctors and Matthew Perry's assistant, have been charged and arrested in relation to the beloved actor's accidental overdose. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada during a news briefing on Thursday.

Among those arrested were Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who initially provided Perry with unauthorized supplies of ketamine, and Jasveen Sangha, identified as a ketamine dealer. Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry's live-in assistant, and Eric Fleming, who facilitated the sales with Sangha, have already pleaded guilty to the charges. Additionally, Dr. Mark Chavez, another doctor involved, has agreed to plead guilty.

According to the Associated Press, Perry was discovered deceased in his hot tub on October 28, 2023. Ketamine was identified as the primary cause of death, ruled as an accident during the subsequent autopsy.

The Los Angeles police initiated an investigation in May to uncover the source of the ketamine that led to Perry's untimely demise. It was revealed that Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy as a treatment for his anxiety and depression. However, he developed an addiction and, when denied further clinical treatment, sought alternative means to acquire the drug.

During the investigation, it was found that the defendants knowingly took advantage of Perry's addiction by supplying him with substantial amounts of ketamine. Plasencia, upon learning of Perry's addiction, reached out to Chavez, who had previously operated a ketamine clinic, to obtain ketamine for sale. Additionally, Iwamasa obtained ketamine from Sangha through Fleming, a street vendor, with vials reportedly delivered to Iwamasa just four days prior to Perry's passing.

To further complicate matters, after Perry's death, the defendants allegedly attempted to cover up their involvement by instructing each other to delete incriminating text messages. Plasencia is also accused of providing falsified medical records during the investigation, suggesting he had a legitimate treatment plan for Perry.

Plasencia now faces charges of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, seven counts of ketamine distribution, and two counts of altering and falsifying documents related to the federal investigation. Sangha is charged with conspiracy to distribute ketamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and ketamine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, and multiple counts of ketamine distribution. Iwamasa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, while Fleming pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and ketamine distribution resulting in death. Chavez has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.

Matthew Perry had struggled with drug addiction for many years, with his struggles dating back to his time on the hit sitcom "Friends." At the time of his tragic death, Perry had reportedly maintained sobriety for 19 months, according to the autopsy report.

The loss of Matthew Perry deeply affected fans all around the world, as he had become one of television's biggest stars through his iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing in the immensely popular show "Friends," alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer. The sitcom ran for ten seasons, from 1994 to 2004, and continues to be beloved by audiences.

Authorities will continue to investigate this devastating incident and ensure justice is served for Matthew Perry and his loved ones.