Los Angeles officials have announced five arrests in connection with the accidental overdose death of actor Matthew Perry.
Matthew Perry passed away last October due to an overdose of ketamine, an anesthetic drug with psychedelic properties.
During a press conference on Thursday, Los Angeles officials revealed that their investigation into Perry’s death uncovered an extensive underground criminal network that was responsible for distributing large quantities of ketamine to Perry and others.
Among those arrested were two doctors, Perry’s live-in assistant, various intermediaries, and a significant ketamine supplier known as “the ketamine queen”, according to U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada.
Estrada stated that the individuals will face severe sentences as a warning that such actions will not go unpunished.
Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Anne Milgram, explained that Perry’s dependency on ketamine began when he was prescribed the drug at a local clinic for depression and anxiety.
In the U.S., ketamine is primarily approved by the FDA for anesthesia or as a nasal spray for depression, but only in a medical setting.
After Perry’s clinic doctors refused to increase his dosage, he sought alternative sources where he encountered the doctors who were ultimately charged in connection with his death.
Milgram mentioned that Perry resorted to unethical doctors who provided him with large quantities of ketamine in exchange for exorbitant amounts of money.
As Perry’s addiction worsened, he resorted to purchasing ketamine from street dealers, ultimately leading to his demise.
Milgram highlighted the common cycle where drug addiction begins with medical prescriptions and transitions to illicit substances.
“Each defendant played a significant role in Perry’s death by falsely prescribing, selling, or administering the ketamine that led to his tragic passing,” Milgram emphasized.
Matthew Perry, famous for his role in the TV series “Friends”, was found dead at the age of 54 in his home in Los Angeles last October.
In May, the Los Angeles police had announced their investigation into the source of Perry’s drugs.
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