Alaska Seized a $95,000 Plane over Illicit Cargo: A Six-Pack of Beer

Civil forfeiture is something both sides agree is unconstitutional and wrong. Why has it taken so long to ban it and hold people accountable?

By design courts aren't held accountable by the people. Especially federal ones (aware this is a state court here, though).

SCOTUS for instance, who might hear the case, are nominated by government executives, not the people. They have zero incentive to do anything other than to garner favors from the government. That is why you walk away with insane judgements like Wickard v Filburn.

Of course, you could argue the seizure is an 8th amendment violation. Then you would take note you can go to jail for 10 years for not paying a $5 tax for any other weapon as defined by the NFA, and starting next year you can go to jail for a decade for not paying a $0 tax.

Congress could place statutory limits in this behavior, it doesn't have to come from the courts.