In a significant development regarding the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry, known for his role in the hit television series Friends, several arrests have been made, including that of a medical professional. The arrests occurred early Thursday morning, prompting law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Perry’s death last fall. 

A press conference is scheduled for later today, where the U.S. Attorney for Los Angeles and a representative from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are expected to provide further details about the charges. Multiple law enforcement agencies have been involved in executing search warrants and seizing electronic devices, such as computers and phones, as part of the ongoing inquiry into the supply of ketamine to Perry before his death at the age of 54 on October 28, 2023.

Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy to address his anxiety and depression, with his last session taking place a week and a half before his death. Authorities have determined that the ketamine involved in his overdose was not prescribed legally, raising serious concerns about its source. Reports indicate that at least one doctor and several dealers have been implicated in the alleged illegal distribution of the drug to the actor. 

In May, the Los Angeles authorities initiated a partnership with the DEA and the U.S. Postal Service to probe into the potential illegal prescribing of ketamine to Perry. This investigation included the execution of search warrants, which reportedly led to evidence gathering, including text messages related to Perry’s drug procurement. 

Among the addresses searched was the home of Brooke Mueller, the ex-wife of actor Charlie Sheen. Although she was mentioned in connection with the investigation, Mueller is not believed to be involved in the arrests.

The autopsy results for Perry revealed that drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine were contributing factors to his death. In his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, published in 2022, Perry candidly discussed his long-standing struggles with substance abuse and his experiences with ketamine treatments during a rehabilitation stay in Switzerland. 

Perry had previously described ketamine as a commonly abused drug in the 1980s and spoke about its dual purpose in pain relief and depression management. He characterized the experience of using the drug as a “giant exhale,” noting that he often felt a disconnection from reality during his infusions.

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