Arrested Toyota Executive Resigns

TOKYO—Toyota Motor Corp. managing officer Julie Hamp, who was arrested last month in Tokyo on suspicion of violating Japan's drug laws, has resigned, the auto maker said Wednesday.

Ms. Hamp, an American who in April became the most senior female executive at the world's biggest auto maker, is currently being held by prosecutors and her detention period ends on July 8. By then, prosecutors must decide whether to indict her.

She hasn't been charged with any crime and hasn't commented publicly since her arrest.

Ms. Hamp expressed her intention to resign to Toyota on Tuesday, the auto maker said in a statement. "We intend to learn from this incident to help ensure a secure working environment for everyone at Toyota around the world as we continue to take the steps necessary to become a truly global company," Toyota said.

Japanese police say customs officers intercepted a package addressed to Ms. Hamp containing about 60 tablets of oxycodone, a powerful painkiller. Though oxycodone is legal with a prescription in Japan and the U.S., it is illegal to bring into Japan without special permission.

Write to Yoko Kubota at [e-mail]

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