A man who pretended to be attached to the narcotics division of the police force and conned several persons out of almost $1.5 million had his bail reduced in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Charged with obtaining money by false pretence is Danville Thaxter.

The court was told that Thaxter presented himself as part of the narcotics division and told persons that he was in a position to get them vehicles that were being auctioned. He reportedly collected a total of $1,445,000 from the complainants. But over time, they became suspicious after not receiving the cars or their money and the police were alerted.

Thaxter was initially granted $500,000 bail, but this figure was reduced to $200,000 yesterday. He returns to court on April 1.