Toyota’s PR Chief Arrested for Violating Japan Drug Laws

Julie Hamp, Toyota Motor Corp.'s chief communications officer since April, has been arrested in Japan for violating the country's strict laws governing drugs and medications.

Authorities arrested Hamp, 55, after discovering oxycodone, a narcotic pain reliever, had been mailed to her from the U.S. Japan sharply restricts who is allowed to import such drugs, including those that have been prescribed by a doctor.

Media reports note that Japanese law also bars visitors from bringing in such decongestants as Sudafed that are available over the counter in the U.S.

Hamp spent 25 years at General Motors Co. with its Cadillac, OnStar and Saturn brands before moving to PepsiCo. in 2007. She joined Toyota in 2012 to help the carmaker refurbish its image following highly publicized recalls related to claims of unintended acceleration.

When she was promoted to her current post in April, Hamp became Toyota's highest-ranking female executive.