Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, en route to U.S. rehab, turns back to Canada and now MIA

Rob Ford, the crack-smoking Toronto mayor who was poised to cross into the United States to enter a Chicago rehabilitation facility for his alcohol problem, curiously turned from the border, went back into Canada — and has now gone missing.

Mr. Ford’s attorney, Dennis Morris, said last week that his client had left Toronto for Chicago, after a new video emerged that allegedly showed the mayor smoking crack. But he apparently didn’t get off the plane. The Consul General of Canada in Chicago said to The Globe and Mail that Mr. Ford withdrew his application to enter the United States right when his plane landed.

Consul General Roy Norton also said Mr. Ford’s application was “not denied entry, per se” because the withdrawal came at the mayor’s request, CBS reported.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Kris Grogan said federal privacy laws prevent him from commenting on Mr. Ford’s application. But he did say that all those applying to cross the borders must “overcome all grounds of inadmissibility,” and among those grounds are criminality, security reasons and documentation mandates, CBS reported.

And drug use could be a factor.

British chef Nigella Lawson was denied permission to fly into the United States a few months ago after she admitted in 2013 to trying cocaine, CBS said.

Mr. Ford, meanwhile, has admitted he has smoked crack cocaine — albeit he excused his behavior as taking place while he was under the influence of alcohol.

Mr. Ford’s brother, Doug Ford, nevertheless insists the mayor made it to rehab.

“The most important thing, everyone who is concerned if he’s in rehab, the answer is yes,” Doug Ford said, The Associated Press reported. “As for his whereabouts, that’s personal and that should stay with Rob.” He also said that he’s spoken with his brother in rehab and that “he’s feeling great, actually. He’s feeling good. He’s bought into the program, and he’s getting the support he needs.”

But at least one city council member has reservations.

“I’m not buying that [the mayor’s rehab location] can’t be divulged,” said Toronto Council Member Shelley Carroll, in the CBS report. Another on the council suggested the mayor could send in a doctor’s note to prove that he’s at least attending a rehab facility.