Going through customs.

I've had the outer plastic removed and retaped.

What did they do to your package? I've purchased from Lucky Model several times and I've never received a package that looked like it had been opened. Maybe a little dinged up but the packaging seemed intact.

No,all kits ordered from overseas like WNW kits stop in customs first for clearance i.e. drugs.and such.

You packed your kit on a carry-on? Better to have packed it in your luggage instead. Even better, ship it to your home. Yeah, it may cost more money to ship it but it's better than going thru customs.