Matthew Perry ketamine suppliers face charges probe Friends star death sources

Federal investigation into Matthew Perry's ketamine supply before death could lead to charges, ongoing probe with no immediate action.

A source familiar with the investigation revealed to NBC News that the federal inquiry into the source of the ketamine that led to actor Matthew Perry's death last year may result in charges against multiple individuals. The Los Angeles Police Department, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration, initiated an investigation into the origin of the ketamine following Perry's passing on October 28 at his residence.

The ongoing federal probe is still in progress, with no immediate action expected in the case. People magazine was the first to break the news regarding the investigation. Perry, renowned for his portrayal of Chandler Bing on "Friends," was discovered unresponsive in his pool, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office. The cause of death was attributed to the acute effects of ketamine, with additional factors including drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a synthetic opioid used in the treatment of opioid use disorder.

Despite Perry's past struggles with drug use, the actor had reportedly been sober for 19 months leading up to his death. The medical examiner's report indicated that Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety, with his final treatment occurring 1½ weeks prior to his passing. However, the levels of ketamine detected in his system were unusually high, comparable to those administered for general anesthesia during surgical procedures. The lingering presence of the drug in his body raised questions, as ketamine typically metabolizes within hours.

In addition to the federal investigation, the Los Angeles Police Department is also looking into the circumstances surrounding Perry's death.