The recent investigation into the tragic death of actor Matthew Perry has uncovered a disturbing indictment involving five individuals accused of contributing to his fatal ketamine overdose. Among those implicated are two doctors and a street dealer who provided Perry with large quantities of the potent anesthetic.

Ketamine, a potent anesthetic approved for surgical use by U.S. health authorities, can be administered via intramuscular injection or intravenously. It is chemically similar to the recreational drug PCP and is sought after for its euphoric effects. However, ketamine can also induce hallucinations and have adverse effects on breathing and heart function.

Although ketamine has gained popularity as a treatment for depression, anxiety, and pain in recent years, it is not officially sanctioned for these purposes. Despite receiving ketamine infusion therapy from his doctors for depression, Perry reportedly sought additional doses from illicit sources after being denied by his physicians.

Prosecutors disclosed that Perry illicitly obtained ketamine through a network involving two doctors, his assistant, and a woman dubbed the “Ketamine Queen.” Perry’s assistant, who admitted guilt to conspiracy to distribute ketamine leading to death, administered ketamine to the actor, including multiple doses on the day of his passing.

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada condemned the actions of the doctors involved, stating, “We are not talking about legitimate ketamine treatment. We’re talking about two doctors who abused the trust they had, abused their licenses to put another person’s life at risk.”

Apart from its medical use, ketamine has been employed by paramedics as a sedative, often in conjunction with law enforcement to manage individuals they perceived as uncontrollable. However, following the scrutiny prompted by the 2019 death of Elijah McClain in Colorado after a ketamine overdose, some states and agencies are reconsidering this practice.

In a separate investigation conducted by The Associated Press, it was revealed that the administration of ketamine and other sedatives to individuals detained by police has become increasingly prevalent over the past 15 years, supported by questionable science and experts aligned with law enforcement.