Julie Hamp Could Face Criminal Intent Charges Over Controlled Drug Importation
Toyota PR exec Julie Hamp isn’t having the best time in Japan right now, and the situation could worsen thanks to the nation’s strict drug importation laws.
As explained by Jalopnik‘s Kat Callahan, Japan requires users of any controlled substance brought into the nation to walk in a limited amount of the prescribed meds before customs, declare the drugs, and present a doctor’s note translated into Japanese before they can be allowed into one’s medicine cabinet. Otherwise, narcotics like the Oxycodone brought in by Hamp are verboten, and cannot even be sold by or found in a pharmacy in Japan; they can’t also be mailed.
Non-controlled drugs, meanwhile, don’t need a translated note, but must now be walked in and declared, and only a one-month supply is allowed to enter the country.
While Hamp could attempt to plead ignorance on the laws of the land, her case would need to depend on her not hiding the Oxycodone in a box marked “Necklaces” among a ton of toy necklaces, and thus, avoiding customs declarations in so doing. Unfortunately, this is the scenario which played out, giving prosecutors the ability to declare criminal intent on the part of Hamp; it’s also why Toyota’s HQ was raided by police a few days ago.
Should the criminal intent charge stick, Hamp would be in prison for a long time before finally given the boot out of the country for the rest of her life.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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Julie is a good friend of mine. I had the unique honor of a dance with her at her GM retirement party (even though she was too young to retire) I have never known her to have more than a glass of wine that she didn't finish. I have never seen any instance of substance abuse. she is as classy and compassionate as they come. I completely understand Mr Toyoda's statement supporting her. tough time, but it will pass I hope and pray.
I feel sad for anyone anywhere, up on criminal drug/smuggling charges. Or locked up for alcohol related offenses when an illegal drug would not have lead to a terrible mistake, when *abused* instead. Humans have alway wanted and needed the shortest route to escape reality or pain. Putting people in rape cages for it is a fairly new practice.
She looks like an android (gynoid?) ! Perfect as Data's grown up daughter (Lal) in an alternate universe where Lal survives
Regardless of legal outcome, she's doomed either way. The amount of embarrassment and disgrace brought among Toyota and its employees is her one way ticket to termination or resignation. She'll probably lawyer up in the US and fight Toyota on this.