Let’s Not Repeat That

Beloved “Friends” star Matthew Perry appeared to “freeze up” after a doctor—later charged in connection to his death—administered a “large dose” of ketamine just two weeks before the actor’s overdose.

Salvador Plascencia, along with another doctor, Mark Chavez; Perry’s longtime assistant Kenneth Iwamasa; alleged street dealer Erik Fleming; and Jasveen Sangha, the so-called “Ketamine Queen of Los Angeles,” face charges. They are accused of profiting from the 54-year-old actor by supplying ketamine, which costs as little as $12 per vial, according to authorities.

Plascencia, 42, held a license to prescribe and administer ketamine. However, he allegedly exploited Perry’s known struggles with substance abuse. Messages obtained in the investigation revealed that he even texted Iwamasa, referring to Perry as a “moron” and questioning how much money the actor would spend on ketamine.

Sixteen days before Perry was found dead in his hot tub in October, Plascencia seemed cautious when Perry had a severe reaction to a “large dose” of ketamine, causing his blood pressure to rise and making him appear to “freeze up.”

“Let’s not do that again,” Plascencia told Iwamasa.

Iwamasa, who had lived with Perry and served as his assistant since 1994, reportedly administered at least 27 ketamine shots to Perry during the last five days of his life. Prosecutors claim three of these injections resulted in Perry’s “death and serious bodily injury.”

At the time of his death, Perry had been undergoing ketamine therapy for depression. When the clinic refused to increase his dosage, Perry sought help from Plascencia, stated Anne Milgram, administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Plascencia then reached out to Chavez, 54, for assistance in obtaining more drugs for Perry.

From September to Perry’s death on October 28, Plascencia and Chavez allegedly supplied about 20 vials of ketamine to Perry, amassing around $55,000 in cash. This included instances where Perry paid $2,000 for a vial worth only $12.

Plascencia expressed a desire to become Perry’s “go-to” for drugs, according to authorities. Despite lacking medical training, Iwamasa injected Perry with ketamine based on Plascencia’s instructions.

Plascencia continued to supply Iwamasa with ketamine, even selling another $6,000 worth despite knowing Perry’s addiction was life-threatening.

Authorities believe that Perry’s final, fatal dose of ketamine was supplied by Sangha. Plascencia and Sangha face one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.

Plascencia faces additional charges, including seven counts of distribution of ketamine and two counts of altering and falsifying documents related to a federal investigation. Sangha is further charged with maintaining drug-involved premises, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute ketamine, and five counts of distributing ketamine.

Fleming, Iwamasa, and Chavez each admitted to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death.

Source: NY Post