Reports today shed new light concerning allegations that there is a video showing Toronto Mayor Rob Ford smoking crack cocain.

CTV is reporting that Toronto Police were investigating the existence of the video several weeks before the story first appeared in the Toronto Star.

The report goes on to say quote:  as part of the investigation leading to this morning’s raids here in Toronto and elsewhere in the province, officers obtained telephone wire-tap evidence and a high placed source confirms to CTV News  that on those wire taps  persons of interest discussed that video in detail  and referred to the mayor’s presence in that video.

The video has still not been seen by CTV or other media and its existence cannot be confirmed.

Mayor Rob Ford has consistently denied using crack cocaine and has said the video does not exist

He repeated those denials today when reporters asked him about this.

The news broke as Toronto Police Chief, Bill Blair held a news conference about the police raids.

When asked about whether the Mayor and the alleged video were part of today’s raids Chief Blair refused to answer.

Concerning the raids called Project Traveller, Chief Blair says 43 people are in custody  facing a variety of charges.

Meanwhile at City Hall this morning Mayor Ford said he’s knows nothing about the raids and has not been brief by Chief Blair.

The Rexdale home of one of the young men pictured with Mayor Rob Ford outside a suspected crack house was part of this morning’s multi-city police sweep.