Japan police raid Toyota HQ in search of drug smuggling evidence

TOKYO—Japanese police have raided Toyota’s headquarters in Toyota City as well as its office in Tokyo in search of evidence. Last week, newly-appointed executive Julie Hamp was arrested for allegedly smuggling tablets of oxycodone into the country.

According to Reuters reports, Japanese police would not comment on the details of the raid, as the investigation is still ongoing.

Hamp was promoted to head of corporate communications in March after serving as North American communications chief for Toyota. The new posting made her the highest ranking woman in Toyota’s history.

After Hamp’s arrest last week, Toyoto president Akio Toyoda held a press conference in which he affirmed his support for the new executive. Toyoda said she was a close friend and 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 have reported that Hamp told police she brought the pills into the country to help with knee pain.