Northumbria Police have warned that drugs stolen from a pharmacy in Newcastle could cause "serious harm" if taken without a prescription.
This comment came following a burglary on Stamfordham Road in Cowgate at about 3.20am yesterday.
Criminals gained access to the premises and then stole a variety of strong painkillers from the store.
Officers have issued an appeal for the drugs to be returned safely and anyone with information to come forward.
PC Daniel Burke, of Northumbria Police, said:
This is a serious crime which has seen a large quantity of drugs stolen from a pharmacy.
NHS Controlled Drugs Liaison Officer Ken Dale added:
“This medication could cause serious harm to anybody who takes it, if it has not been prescribed to them, so we would ask anyone who comes into contact with it to hand it to police.”
Anyone with information has been asked to call 101 quoting reference 170 101119 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.