TOKYO: Japan’s Toyota Motor said that American Julie Hamp, its most senior female executive, has resigned after being arrested for suspected drug law violations.
“Toyota Motor Corp (TMC) received notification from Ms. Julie Hamp of her intent to resign her position of Managing Officer,” the company said in a statement dated Tuesday.
“TMC has accepted her resignation after considering the concerns and inconvenience that recent events have caused our stakeholders.”
Hamp, who was recently appointed to head global public relations at the world’s biggest carmaker, was taken into custody last month for importing a controlled substance without permission.
She was arrested at her Tokyo hotel after a package containing oxycodone was intercepted at Narita airport.
She remains in custody, under laws that allow a suspect to be held for up to 23 days without charge.
Oxycodone – an opioid used to relieve pain – is legal with a prescription, but importing it without permission from the authorities is illegal and could be punished by up to 10 years in prison.
55-year-old Hamp told prosecutors she had the powerful painkiller shipped from the United States to ease problems with her knees.--AP