I think this is plain stupid. We had an amateur astronomer in our apartment, who, I am assuming now, bought his telescope in India. This is around the same time

I think this is plain stupid. We had an amateur astronomer in our apartment, who, I am assuming now, bought his telescope in India. This is around the same time you've mentioned ~ 2000ish. If their sale here is not prohibited, it makes no sense for customs to seize it.