Ana Ferrer Prohías has announced her resignation as a councillor for the Partido Popular at Ibiza Town Hall after her husband was detained in a major investigation into alleged international drug trafficking and money laundering.

Ferrer communicated her decision to Ibiza Mayor Rafa Triguero last week, initially verbally and subsequently in writing. According to the PP municipal group, she cited personal and family reasons for her decision.

Her resignation will now follow the formal administrative procedure required for it to take effect.

Resignation Follows Husband's Detention

Ferrer’s husband was among 27 people detained in a joint operation by the Policía Nacional and Guardia Civil, coordinated by Europol and directed by the Audiencia Nacional and the Fiscalía Especial Antidroga.

Four of the 27 detentions took place in Ibiza.

According to investigators, the organisation was allegedly involved in importing cocaine into Europe from Colombia and Panama and laundering proceeds through the luxury property sector.

The investigation identified investments and corporate structures connected to property developments, complete residential developments and luxury homes, particularly in Ibiza, Marbella and Madrid.

Importantly, the information reviewed does not link Ferrer herself to the alleged criminal activity under investigation.

Operation Targeted Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering

The investigation began in September 2023 and followed analysis of encrypted messaging platforms.

Investigators linked the organisation to four cocaine seizures in Panama involving a combined quantity of more than 1,500 kilograms.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, the organisation established maritime routes between 2020 and 2021 to bring cocaine from Colombia and Panama into Europe using containers and concealment methods known as "gancho ciego", "rip off" and "preñado".

Authorities allege that the network subsequently channelled proceeds from drug trafficking into the property market through companies involved in real estate development and luxury housing.

The investigation also found evidence that the network allegedly offered money-laundering services to other criminal organisations.

27 People Detained

The operation resulted in 27 detentions, including 26 in Spain and one in the Dominican Republic.

The Spanish detentions were carried out in Madrid, Ibiza, Almería, Málaga, León and Pontevedra.

Authorities conducted 38 searches in Spain and the Dominican Republic. In Ibiza, eight searches were carried out.

The operation resulted in the seizure or blocking of significant assets, including high-end vehicles, boats, cash, firearms and cryptocurrency.

Authorities also imposed a prohibition on disposing of 70 properties, including 16 luxury villas. Separately, 95 properties and 200 movable assets linked to those investigated were blocked.

The investigation remains open, with five international arrest warrants having been issued and authorities indicating that further actions and detentions have not been ruled out.

Ferrer Had Previously Left the Sports Portfolio

Ferrer began the current municipal term as Ibiza Town Councillor for Sports.

She left that specific portfolio in 2024, citing personal reasons, but remained a member of the municipal corporation. She continued attending plenary sessions and held the position of vice-president of the governing board of the Municipal Sports Patronage.

The PSOE in Ibiza had called for her resignation after the detention of her husband became public and requested political and institutional explanations from the mayor.

The PP subsequently confirmed Ferrer's decision to relinquish her council seat.

Mayor Calls for Prudence

Following the announcement, Mayor Rafa Triguero described the matter as a personal and family issue and called for prudence while the judicial proceedings continue.

He said Ferrer's written resignation would now go through the required administrative process, including consideration by the municipal plenary.

The mayor also stressed the importance of waiting for the judicial process to establish the facts and responsibilities involved.

At present, the investigation concerns the alleged activities of the wider organisation and the people detained in the operation. Ferrer herself has not been identified by the authorities as a suspect in the criminal investigation.

The case remains under judicial investigation.