The Toronto Star has reported that two reporters watched a video that appears to show the 300-pound (135-kilogram) mayor, sitting in a chair, inhaling from what appears to be a crack pipe.

NPR: Toronto Mayor Won Post On Conservative Discontent

Mr. ASTON-REESE: It's - well, the - you know, it starts more emotionally and mentally, because I've - believe it or not, my senses are much more heightened now, because I'm glued to those screens, looking for any blip that might show, what Adam always asks me, a crack in the ice, to show that we're going to get moving again.

NPR: Credit Markets Take Time To Thaw

Mr Matheson described the executive's trials in absence as a "sledgehammer to crack a nut", suggesting ministers should consider what further sanctions could be imposed to provide a "sufficient deterrent" against an accused absconding.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Scotland | Absent trials move is ruled out

The story started on Thursday night, when Gawker posted a piece by John Cook detailing how the site came to be offered a video of what was claimed to be Toronto mayor Rob Ford smoking crack.

FORBES: Is Gawker's Rob Ford 'Crackstarter' Crowdfunding's Jump-The-Shark Moment?

Two years ago, the Brazilian government launched a multi-million dollar programme to tackle what it called the epidemic spread of crack.

BBC: Sao Paulo crack addicts face obligatory treatment

That will give Amazon a crack at sales at rival sites, not to mention steady info on what is bought and how buyers like what they get.

FORBES: Window Shopping