Arrested Toyota exec says she had oxycodone sent to her in the past

An American executive at Toyota Motor Corp. arrested on suspicion of importing tablets into Japan containing oxycodone has told investigators she had the drug sent to her in the past as well, it has been learned.

Managing Officer and Chief Communications Officer Julie Hamp, 55, has been arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department on suspicion of violating the Narcotics and Psychotropic Control Act. According to investigative sources, the tablets were found in small packages sent from the state of Michigan, which then went through an airport in Kentucky before arriving at Narita International Airport on June 11. Hamp has told investigators she had her father send her the tablets, and she was going to use them to relieve knee pain.

Oxycodone is forbidden from being imported through the mail from overseas, and if brought into Japan on one's person, a verification form from a doctor is needed. Hamp took her current post in April this year, after which she returned to the U.S, before coming back to Japan this month.

Investigators are continuing to look into Hamp's usage of oxycodone and how she has obtained it.