Matthew Perry Ketamine Case: Doctor Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Illegal Drug Distribution

In a major development that has drawn global attention, Dr. Salvador Plasencia — the physician linked to the ketamine supplied to late Friends star Matthew Perry — has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. The ruling, delivered in a Los Angeles court, marks the first sentencing connected to Perry’s tragic 2023 death and highlights growing concerns about misuse of medically regulated substances.

It​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ was reported in the court papers that Dr. Plasencia admitted in court that he was responsible for four felonies in connection with the illegal distribution of ketamine. To support their case, the prosecutors claimed that the doctor had many times provided the controlled substance without proper medical supervision and that he took advantage of Perry's situation when the latter was looking for an advanced treatment for his anxiety and depression. Although ketamine is allowed to be used as a therapy drug, the police pointed out that Plasencia broke medical ethics and federal regulations by offering the drug in unapproved amounts.

At the time of sentencing, Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett criticized the doctor’s behavior calling it a “serious betrayal of trust,” thereby emphasizing that it is the duty of the medical professionals to safeguard the lives of their patients and not to put them in danger. Plasencia, in the courtroom, showed regret and said that he “let Matthew Perry down and his family.” However, prosecutors insisted that his behavior was a continuous pattern of irresponsibility and a decision driven by the desire to make ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌money.

The investigation revealed that Perry had been seeking ketamine treatment from multiple sources prior to his death. Although the fatal dose found in his system did not originate directly from Plasencia, officials concluded that the doctor played a significant role in enabling access to the drug and worsening Perry’s condition.

Plasencia is the first among several individuals charged in the broader case involving illegal suppliers, intermediaries, and medical professionals. Additional sentencing hearings are expected in the coming months.

This ruling underscores the need for stronger oversight in ketamine-based therapies and reaffirms the legal consequences for those who misuse their medical authority.