OP - welcome to FT.
there are a lot of important facts missing and what is provided just doesnt make sense: what airport? Was it actually even in the USA? as asked above, was this really TSA? or some other agency's hacks? TSA folks just dont throw items away - the passenger has to decide whether to put the items in the conveniently located trash receptacle or check it through, or mail it, or..... and when the gubmint's minions confiscate/seize/detain items in a normal process then some sort of receipt is given or record created... so considering the above and this is the first and only post by the OP - I am not buying this story as is.