GADSDEN, Ala. (AP) — Authorities say synthetic drugs are suspected after three inmates fell ill inside a jail in Alabama.

Officials say three prisoners had to be taken to a hospital Wednesday night from the Etowah County jail in Gadsden. The health problems happened almost simultaneously, and authorities suspect the prisoners were under the influence of some substance.

A sheriff’s spokeswoman says synthetic drugs are suspected. She says officials believe someone smuggled the drugs into the lockup inside their body.