Toyota’s PR Chief Resigns After Drug Arrest

Julie Hamp, who became Toyota Motor Corp.'s first female managing officer in April when she was appointed head of communications, has resigned after being arrested last month for illegally importing a narcotic painkiller to Japan.

Toyota says it accepted her resignation upon "considering the concerns and inconvenience" her arrest caused the company's shareholders.

Hamp was arrested after customs inspectors found dozens of oxycodone pills in a box of jewelry sent from the U.S. to her hotel. She said at the time she didn't realize it was illegal to ship the prescription drug into Japan. She has not yet been charged and under Japanese law can remain under detention until July 8.