On October 17, the Ministry of Internal Affairs held a collegial session focused on the efforts made to combat the illegal drug trade, the COP29-related tasks, and the outcomes of the first nine months of this year.
In his opening speech at the meeting, Minister Colonel General Vilayat Eyvazov highlighted that the topics under discussion concern vital areas such as the protection of life, health, and the rights and freedoms of citizens. He also mentioned that the tasks related to COP29 are being implemented in a systematic manner according to a special plan, and preparations for this internationally important event are ongoing.
As of the end of the first 9 months of 2024, it was reported to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Prosecutor's Office that 89.8% of the 24,586 registered crimes had been solved. Compared to the corresponding period of the last year, the overall number of heavy and especially grave crimes, premeditated and attempted murders, intended infliction of serious harm to health, thefts, robberies involving information technologies, crimes committed by minors and repeat offenders, and crimes arising from family disputes has decreased by 2,192 cases.  
84% of the 6,703 persons listed as wanted, have been apprehended, and 158 criminal groups, comprising 390 individuals suspected of committing heavy and especially grave crimes, have been dismantled.
A total of 4 tons and 81 kilograms of drugs have been seized from illegal trafficking, with 5,735 individuals arrested for these crimes.
The efforts made to ensure road safety and the effectiveness of preventive measures have also shown positive results, with the number of related incidents decreasing by 173 cases, the number of fatalities in accidents reduced by 107, and the number of injured people lowered by 120.  
Regarding the agenda, the heads of the respective main departments of the ministry provided reports on the work carried out in combating drugs, encouraging youth to enroll in the Police Academy, personnel training, qualification improvement, and professionalism, progress in preparations for the COP29 event, and other areas, including the fulfillment of assigned tasks and the results achieved.
Wrapping up the meeting, Minister V. Eyvazov highlighted that in the first 9 months of the year, the tasks stipulated by law regarding public order and safety had been successfully carried out, achieving positive results in the fight against crime, and ensuring that the protection of human rights and freedoms was not only maintained but also enhanced in several areas. Thanks to the support of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, a professional team has been built within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, infrastructure is being developed, and modernization processes are taking place. The relevant work is being conducted in the Ministry’s specialized educational institutions, including the Police Academy, where new educational buildings, dormitories, laboratories, and other essential infrastructure are being developed. Considerable success has been achieved in recruiting candidates for training in the fields such as law, forensics, information security, and other professions. The number of students aspiring to enroll in the Academy increases every year, and efforts to promote this field must continue. It was also pointed out that, thanks to the President’s attention to the social welfare of personnel, positive changes are underway in this area.  
Emphasizing the rise in citizen involvement in crime prevention, it was noted that the positive trends observed in the fight against crime – especially transnational forms like drug trafficking – and in ensuring road safety are the result of the steadily improving relationship between the police and the public. Such cooperation plays an important role in protecting basic human rights and ensuring the legal interests of each individual are shielded from criminal threats. The Minister expressed his appreciation to all those who provide direct help and special attention to the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the fight against crime, such as journalists, public activists, and NGO representatives.
Moreover, the Minister of Internal Affairs stressed that the raised issues are analyzed fairly and objectively in the media, social networks, and at public receptions, and that these analyses are incorporated into subsequent activities. He further mentioned that all requests are handled swiftly, lawful decisions are implemented, and proactive citizens are guided on their rights.
He also highlighted that the successes achieved in combating crime and ensuring public order and security in the country do not stop the Ministry of Internal Affairs staff from continuing their work with full dedication. The staff continues to diligently perform their legal duties throughout Azerbaijan, safeguarding the country's sovereignty, and exerts every effort to carry out their responsibilities for the good of our people.
He stressed that, in light of the rapid growth of car ownership in the country, as part of efforts to ease traffic congestion in the capital, it is essential to continue the measures for towing illegally parked vehicles that hinder traffic, improving driver discipline, and enhancing control in this area.  
He further pointed out the necessity of taking steps to eliminate deficiencies in the service operations, highlighting the importance of paying close attention to all complaints related to issues that worry the people. It was also stressed that continuous oversight is required to ensure citizen satisfaction.
In conclusion, General-Colonel Vilayat Eyvazov expressed his confidence that the personnel would continue to successfully fulfill their tasks, ensuring stability and peace in the country, and would not hesitate to use all their strength and expertise to protect the legitimate interests of the state and citizens from unlawful actions.