The relationship between chemical concentration and odor activity value explains the inconsistency in making a comprehensive surrogate scent training tool representative of illicit drugs

- Odors from 3 drugs were analyzed using simultaneous chemical and sensory analysis.
- Odors from real drugs were compared to their surrogate scent formulations.
- Discrepancies between real and surrogate sample VOC composition and odor are explored.
- Odor activity values concept can be useful to evaluate forensic odor in drugs.
- There is need to establish odor detection thresholds for unpublished drug VOCs/aromas.