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Charges filed against five in Matthew Perry ketamine death investigation

HOLLYWOOD – APRIL 21: Actor Matthew Perry arrives at the Project A.L.S. LA Benefit hosted by Ben Stiller & Friends at Lucky Strike Bowling Alley on April 21, 2010 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/FilmMagic)

New information has surfaced regarding those allegedly connected to supplying ketamine to Matthew Perry prior to his death in October last year. Authorities have charged five individuals, including the Friends actor’s personal assistant, two doctors, an alleged supplier known as the “Ketamine Queen,” and one other person.

According to the charges, Perry’s assistant is accused of administering at least 27 ketamine shots to the actor in the days leading up to his death. The doctors and suppliers are accused of exploiting Perry’s struggles with substance abuse, profiting tens of thousands of dollars by providing him with ketamine, despite being aware of his addiction.

The high-profile case has reportedly helped investigators uncover an underground network of drug suppliers and sellers. US Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the broader implications of the case, stating, “If you are in the business of selling dangerous drugs, we will hold you accountable for the deaths that you cause.”

This case has also highlighted the growing use of ketamine, a drug with psychedelic properties that has gained popularity as an alternative treatment for depression and anxiety. While it is used in therapy, its recreational use raises concerns. Authorities confirmed that Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy at the time of his death, but the levels of the drug found in his system exceeded what would have come from that treatment alone.

Perry had struggled with addiction for most of his life and openly discussed his battles in his memoir.