Matthew Perry's doctors surrender their prescribing licenses in ketamine case because they exploited his battle with drug addiction

In a major development in the case of actor Matthew Perry's death, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confirmed that doctors Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez have surrendered their licenses to prescribe medication. This decision comes amid allegations linking them to Perry's tragic death, E! News confirmed. (Also Read – Matthew Perry's Stepfather Breaks His Silence After Ketamine Arrests Linked to Actor's Death: 'We Were and Still Are…')

Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the series Friends, was found dead in the hot tub of his California home on October 28, 2023. The Los Angeles Coroner later concluded that his death was a result of the “acute effects of ketamine” combined with drowning.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on August 15 that Plasencia and Chavez are among five people charged in connection with Perry's death. Those charges include an allegation of exploiting Perry's ongoing battle with drug addiction, according to E! News.

Plasencia, one of the main defendants in the case, is alleged to have worked with Perry's assistant Kenneth Iwamasa to distribute approximately 20 vials of ketamine to Perry between September and October 2023 in exchange for $55,000 in cash.

According to E! News, Iwamasa pleaded guilty on August 7 to conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death. To further complicate matters, Plasencia is accused of texting Chavez, a San Diego doctor who allegedly sold ketamine to Plasencia, to discuss the financial aspects of their transactions.

According to E! News, a message sent by Plasencia read, “I wonder how much this idiot is going to pay.” Plasencia faces several charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine, seven counts of ketamine distribution and two counts of tampering with and falsifying documents in connection with the federal investigation.

If convicted, the 42-year-old faces up to 30 years in a federal prison. Plasencia has not yet entered a public plea and was released on bail on August 16, according to E! News.

Chavez, whose arraignment is scheduled for August 30, has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in a federal prison, according to E! News.

While the investigation is ongoing, Perry's friends and family continue to honor his legacy. Friends creator Marta Kauffman recently urged her fans to honor Perry's memory by supporting drug treatment centers and enjoying his work on Friends.

Kauffman explained: “Two things come to mind [about how to celebrate him]”One is to donate to drug treatment centers – let's fight the disease. And the second option is to watch Friends and remember him not as a man who died like that, but as a man who was incredibly funny and brought joy to everyone.”

The investigation into Perry's death remains active as the legal process continues.