The parents of a toddler have been arrested after he was found high on drugs.

Officers in Atascadero, California, believe the 18-month-old boy swallowed cocaine because it had been 'left out where he could get it'.

His mother, 20-year-old Priscilla Tabarez, called for an ambulance and the boy was taken to Twin Cities Community Hospital in Templeton for treatment.

Arrested: Mother Priscilla Tabarez and father Daniel Sanchez were taken into custody by police after an ambulance was called to their home

Police also attended, saying the child appeared to show signs of drug use.

He is now in protective custody at San Luis Obispo County Child Welfare Services, according to officers.

Tabarez and the child's father Daniel Sanchez, 27, were arrested.

The uncle, 18-year-old Isaac Tabarez, from Paso Robles, was also taken into custody.

All three were booked for felony child endangerment and remain behind bars with bail set at $100,000.

Police say further investigation may lead to drug charges.

Atascadero Police Department spokesman Gregg Meyer said: 'Unfortunately this a case where you have a very young child who was exposed to a dangerous narcotic and fortunately he is now safe and the parents are in custody.'