Toyota PR Boss Arrested For Prescription Drugs

(RTTNews) - An American corporate communications executive of Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp. (TM) was arrested Thursday morning at a hotel where she has been staying. Toyota's Managing Officer and Chief Communications Officer Julie Hamp was accused of trying to illegally import painkiller drug Oxycodone in to Japan from the U.S.

Oxycodone is a prescription drug in both the U.S. and Japan. According to reports, the import of prescription drugs into Japan requires prior government approval and must be carried by the individual.

Toyota moved into damage control mode after the American was arrested. Toyota President Akio Toyoda apologized for the incident at a news conference and reiterated the company's belief that Hamp had no intent of breaking the law.

According to media reports, the Japanese customs intercepted a small parcel labeled "necklaces" from the U.S. that had Hamp's Japan address. About 60 Oxycodone tablets were found concealed in the parcel that also contained toy pendants and necklaces.

According to Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, Hamp denied any wrongdoing and told the police that she did not think she had imported narcotics. According to reports, the large number of pills found could see her up to ten years in prison, followed by deportation.

Hamp is a former General Motors Co. (GM) and PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) executive, and was appointed managing officer of Toyota only in April. She joined Toyota at its North American unit in 2012.

Hamp, age 55 years, is the first woman to hold the title of managing officer, which is the highest rank held be a non-Japanese person.