CALCUTTA, Ohio - Three pharmacy workers were tied-up and robbed, and it wasn't money that the thieves were looking for.

The robbery goes hand in hand with an epidemic the Mahoning Valley knows all too well.

Detective-Sergeant Troy Walker of the St. Clair Township Police Department said, "One of the perpetrators told them don't be a hero and everything will be fine, you'll go home."

For those three female employees, it was like a nightmare in broad daylight at the Buckeye Pharmacy on State Route 170 in St. Clair Township.

A man pretending to want a prescription pulled a handgun, and then a second suspect with his face partially covered and gloves on appeared.

"They pulled the employees in front of the counter, they took the pharmacist at gunpoint and ordered her to open up the cabinet that had the opioids and she complied.  They took all the opioids that were in there, they then zip tied all three employees and placed them in the bathroom," Detective Sergeant Walker told 21 News.

Along with local law enforcement, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was called in to determine exactly what brand of drugs were taken and exactly how many.  

Police said the thieves had a purpose.

"They knew what they were looking for and you know that's what they requested was opioids," Detective Sergeant Walker said.

The employees managed to free themselves and run for help.  

A witness in the parking lot told them he suspected something was wrong and he was already on the phone with 911.

21 News spoke to one of the employees who was tied up who appeared to be still shaken up.  

She said, in her opinion, the suspects are cowards.  

The men told her and her coworkers to get on the ground face down. 

The victim said she grabbed her coworkers hand and then she prayed that none of their customers would walk in because she feared someone would get hurt.

A witness told police the suspects ran to an old model Chevy Impala with tinted windows with a third suspect inside.  

Those with information are advised to call St. Clair Township Police at 330) 386-3585  ext. 125.