At least one individual has been arrested in relation to the ketamine overdose death of “F.R.I.E.N.D.S” actor Matthew Perry last year, US media reported on Thursday. As police looked into how Perry got the drug, TMZ reported that “multiple” arrests, including one of a doctor, had occurred. Meanwhile, NBC, citing law enforcement officials, reported that only one arrest had been made.
At the age of 54, Perry, who portrayed Chandler Bing on the popular TV comedy from 1994 to 2004, was discovered unconscious in his pool in October of last year. This discovery sparked an international outpouring of sympathy from fans and coworkers.
According to an autopsy, the acute effects of ketamine, a controlled drug which the recovering addict was presumably taking as part of monitored therapy, were the cause of his death. However, only small amounts were found in his stomach, a high level was detected in his bloodstream. Ketamine is a common anaesthetic used by veterinarians and doctors. Its potential application in the treatment of depression has also been studied. It is illegally taken by underground users for its psychedelic properties.
Just how the actor who had reportedly not had a supervised infusion session for several days obtained the drug became the subject of a legal investigation, with Los Angeles police confirming in May that they were probing the death.
According to law enforcement sources cited by celebrity news site TMZ, “at least one doctor has been arrested, along with several dealers who helped arrange and deliver ketamine to Perry.”
(with inputs from agency)
