Federal officials have announced charges against five individuals linked to the ketamine overdose that resulted in the death of actor Matthew Perry last year. The group includes Perry’s personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, and two physicians accused of irresponsibly supplying him with excessive amounts of the substance.

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada detailed the allegations in a press conference on Thursday. According to Estrada, the two doctors involved provided Perry with significant quantities of ketamine, capitalizing on his dependency to maximize their financial gain. Text messages revealed by authorities show the doctors discussing Perry’s willingness to spend large sums for the drug.

“The accused blatantly exploited Mr. Perry’s vulnerability for their benefit, fully aware of the criminal nature of their actions,” Estrada remarked. Perry’s overdose in October was directly linked to an excessive intake of ketamine.

Reports indicate that on the day he died, Perry received several ketamine injections administered by Iwamasa, who later found the actor unresponsive. With his usual medical providers refusing to prescribe the requested amounts of ketamine, Perry had sought the services of the accused doctors.

DEA Administrator Anne Milgram highlighted the financial aspects of the case, noting that Perry had paid $2,000 for a vial of ketamine, which only cost the doctors around $12 to obtain.

In connection with the charges, two individuals were apprehended on Thursday. Meanwhile, Iwamasa and another defendant have pleaded guilty to their roles in the incident, and a third party is expected to follow with a guilty plea.

The case underscores the ongoing issues of prescription drug abuse and the responsibilities of medical professionals in managing patient care.