A California doctor was sentenced to two and a half years in prison on Wednesday (December 3) for illegally supplying the late “Friends” star Matthew Perry with ketamine, the powerful sedative linked to the actor’s overdose death in 2023.

Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who ran an urgent-care clinic near Los Angeles, pleaded guilty in July 2025 to four felony counts of illegal distribution of ketamine .

Exploiting vulnerability for profit

Prosecutors highlighted that Perry, who had been taking ketamine legally for depression, turned to Plasencia after his regular doctor refused to provide the amounts he wanted. Court filings reveal that Plasencia knew Perry was struggling with addiction and exploited his vulnerability.

Plasencia reportedly texted another doctor calling Perry a “moron” who co

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