several people in the Casper area were hospitalized for kidney failure after smoking a drug called spice.

Authorities have made three arrests after several people in the Casper area were hospitalized for kidney failure after smoking a drug called spice. Police Chief Chris Walsh says the trio were arrested on charges unrelated to possession of the drug, but authorities believe they are tied to its manufacture and distribution. Several were hospitalized after using the synthetic drug, which mimics the effects of marijuana, and authorities say up to 14 people could have been affected. The Wyoming Department of Health issued a statewide warning Thursday, and department spokeswoman Kim Deti (DEE'-tie) says health officials can't assume the tainted batch of blueberry-flavored spice is only in the Casper area. Walsh says one patient was transferred to a Denver hospital with full kidney failure, and those sickened were between the ages of 15 and their mid-20s.