Spanish police in Galicia (northwest Spain) identified 15 metallic species (silver, aluminum, calcium, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, nickel, lead, strontium, and zinc) in 46 confiscated cocaine samples. Pattern recognition techniques applied to the metallic content data disclosed the cocaine’s geographic origin (Colombia and Venezuela). The metals were quantified by means of electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry and flame atomic emission spectrometry. However, because Colombia and Venezuela are used as transshipment countries for cocaine export, it cannot be stated specifically where the cocaine originated. Future research on the use of solvents and data on impurities, in addition to analyses of known origin standard cocaine, will be needed to determine the geographic origin of cocaine seizures. Tables, figures, references