Before Magyaku's presence, Tanigakure stood as a major force in criminal activities. Rare flowers and herbs grew among the freshwater valley, all with unique hallucinogenic properties. By forcing its people to work fields and tend to dangerously positioned gardens, Tanigakure not only earned funds, but had a large amount of free labor. It even allowed the Akatsuki to have a base in the Land of Rivers. The people were also brainwashed to believe they needed a specific drug. Their currency became narcotics and carnal pleasures, ecstasy.