Federal authorities have taken legal action against five individuals, including two medical doctors, in relation to the untimely death of actor Matthew Perry, best known for his role in the popular TV show "Friends." The lead defendants in the case are Jasveen Sangha, known as the "Ketamine Queen," and Salvador Plasencia, nicknamed "Dr. P," according to U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada.

The charges leveled against the defendants, as outlined in an unsealed indictment, include conspiracy to distribute ketamine, distribution of the drug resulting in death, possession with intent to distribute, as well as the alteration and falsification of records pertaining to a federal investigation. During a press conference, Estrada stated that the defendants exploited Perry's addiction for their own financial gain, disregarding his well-being.

The chain of events leading to Perry's death began a month prior when Plasencia discovered the actor's interest in acquiring ketamine, a legal medical substance widely used as an anesthetic. Seeking to profit from the situation, Plasencia reached out to Dr. Mark Chavez, who formerly operated a ketamine clinic, to procure the drug for Perry. Court records reveal that Plasencia's text messages to Chavez contained discussions about pricing Perry for the ketamine, using derogatory language.

The two doctors ended up supplying Perry with 20 vials of ketamine in exchange for $55,000 in cash, while Sangha sold approximately 50 vials to the actor for $11,000. Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry's live-in personal assistant, also played a role in obtaining ketamine for the actor, in collaboration with Sangha and street dealer Eric Fleming, according to court records.

Federal prosecutors allege that Plasencia taught Iwamasa how to administer ketamine injections to Perry, even leaving vials for the assistant to use. Iwamasa is accused of injecting Perry with the drug, including on the day of the actor's tragic death. Fleming, who distributed the ketamine that ultimately caused Perry's demise, has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution resulting in death.

Both Iwamasa and Chavez have also entered guilty pleas. Iwamasa acknowledged his involvement in conspiring to distribute ketamine causing death, along with injecting Perry without the necessary medical training. Subsequent investigations by the Los Angeles County medical examiner revealed trace amounts of ketamine in Perry's stomach, while the level in his blood was consistent with general anesthesia.

Perry was discovered lifeless in the hot tub of his Pacific Palisades home on October 28th. The medical examiner's report attributed his cause of death to the presence of ketamine in his system, which led to cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression. Additional factors contributing to his demise included drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid-use disorder.

Although Perry had been sober for 19 months and had no other drugs in his system, the investigation uncovered the extent to which his ketamine addiction had escalated. Authorities are now focused on determining how the actor acquired such a substantial amount of the drug. Perry's medical history, including his diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, were also referenced in the autopsy report.

The joint efforts of the Los Angeles Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration have uncovered a network operating underground, responsible for the distribution of large quantities of ketamine, not only to Perry but to others as well. As the legal proceedings progress, the full extent of the operation and the consequences it had on various individuals will come to light.