Police Operation Brings Melbourne’s Monash Freeway to a Standstill

A police operation has brought traffic to a standstill on Melbourne’s Monash Freeway, with all outbound lanes closed near Chadstone.

More than a dozen police officers, including some wearing tactical gear, were seen detaining several men on the outbound side of the freeway on Tuesday afternoon.

At least four people were removed from a grey four-wheel-drive vehicle and handcuffed by police during the operation.

Unmarked police vehicles were positioned on the freeway as officers carried out the operation, causing traffic to build up significantly behind the scene.

VicTraffic reported that all outbound lanes of the Monash Freeway were closed at Warrigal Road at about 12:30pm.

Motorists travelling through the area were urged to leave the freeway at High Street and use Huntingdale Road before rejoining the Monash Freeway.

The police operation caused major disruption for motorists travelling through Melbourne’s south-east during the afternoon.

ABC News reported that the circumstances surrounding the police operation had not yet been fully released at the time of publication.

Police remained at the scene while traffic restrictions were in place.

Source: ABC News, October 6, 2026.