Okotoks RCMP have laid charges against a local pharmacist.

In October, police were contacted by loss prevention officers from a local Safeway and were informed a large amount of narcotics had been diverted from the pharmacy.

Through investigation and the examination of pharmacy records police learned that over 33,000 tablets of narcotics had been stolen from the pharmacy over the span of five years.

Leanne Rogalsky, 52, of Calgary is charged with fraud over $5,000, theft over $5,000, breach of trust, 15 counts of trafficking a controlled substance and 15 offences contrary to the Narcotics Control Regulations.

Police say it's alleged Rogalsky had been creating fake patients and logging fake prescriptions under their names, then taking the narcotics from the Safeway Pharmacy.

It's also alleged the offences took place from Aug. 1, 2012 to Oct. 13, 2017.

Rogalsky has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Okotoks Provincial Court on Dec. 22.

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