The general manager of cattle processor Thomas Borthwicks and Sons in Bakers Creek, North Queensland, said the thefts were noticed as a result of a dip in revenue, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported Monday.

The stones are normally sold for use in Chinese herbal medicine and can fetch up to $20,000 per kilogram (about $10,000 a pound).

General Manager Simon Stahl added the meatpacker will look at increased security measures, adding the thefts upset him.

"It's quite shattering really. It's hard enough to run a business, let alone have someone from within, a trusted employee, stealing from right under your nose," he said. "You know, not taking a scrap of meat, but taking something they know to be quite valuable. How they can do that and make as much gain and then turn up and work beside their fellow workmates is quite disappointing."