Toyota executive Julie Hamp arrested in Japan

TOKYO—Japanese police have arrested the most senior female employee in Toyota’s history.

Julie Hamp, who was promoted to head of corporate communications for Toyota in March has been arrested on alleged charges of narcotic importation. Police allege she attempted to bring tablets of oxycodone, a popular painkiller into the country from the U.S.

In a statement regarding the incident, Toyota president Akio Toyoda said he did not have the adequate information to explain the situation, but felt it was important to address the issue.

“In addition to being a close friend of mine, Julie Hamp is an invaluable member of Toyota’s team. We are confident that once the investigation is complete, it will be revealed that there was no intention on Julie’s part to violate any law,” he said.

Japanese media reports Hamp told police she had no intention of importing narcotics.