Customs can open and reseal a package without stamping it PASSED FREE, or whatever. Many people freak out when their packages are opened by Customs and Customs doesn't give any sign of who did it on the envelope. And no, they don't always use that green tape. In fact, i've heard many talk about that green tape but i've never seen it on anything.

After mail clears Customs, it usually requires a search warrant to open your mail ... the privacy protection is the same for Registered as for regular First Class mail.

If your carrier was calling the cops to tell them he'd done a sort of controlled delivery they would have shown up and executed a search warrant.

WD