NORTH BAY -- A 36-year-old woman from North Bay has been charged with stealing fentanyl patches from the pharmacy where she worked as a technician.

The investigation began when the pharmacist contacted police to report he believed fentanyl patches were going missing.

"The investigation identified the accused as being responsible for the theft," police said in a news release Monday. "The investigation alleges 130 fentanyl patches were removed through her access to the secured facility at the pharmacy."

The missing patches are worth $39,000, police said. The woman was arrested Oct. 10 and charged with criminal breach of trust, trafficking and theft.

She was released and is scheduled to appear in the North Bay Courthouse on Dec. 15 to answer to the charges.