The defendants were convicted of various crimes involving the importation and distribution of marijuana. On appeal, the defendants challenge their convictions. The Government challenges the defendants’ sentences, contending that the district court erred in failing to impose relevant mandatory minimum sentences. We affirm the convictions but vacate the sentences and remand for resentencing.
I. Facts and Procedural History
This case involves the tale of two fishing vessels (the Duke and the Dan’s Plan) and an unusual event in the Gulf of Mexico. In 1987, both vessels fished out of the docks of Dick’s Seafood in Madeira Beach, Florida. The Duke was owned by Mary Sue Coy and captained by Raymond “Baby Ray” Koethe. 1 The Dan’s Plan was owned by Daniel Hea-ton and captained by Joseph Reilly.
In late February 1987, the Duke departed the docks of Dick’s Seafood for a three-week fishing excursion in the Gulf of Mexico. During the trip, the weather started getting rough as a storm approached, so the crew anchored the vessel at Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas to ride out the storm. Four days later, the storm passed and the Duke and crew returned to the Gulf to continue fishing.
Around noon the same day, the Duke rendezvoused with the Dan’s Plan for a fuel transfer approximately thirty miles north of Fort Jefferson and sixty miles west of the Florida coast. The crews knew each other and the Duke needed additional fuel to continue its trip. The Dan’s Plan had departed Madeira Beach a day earlier for a similar fishing excursion in the Gulf. After the *631 transfer, the vessels parted a short distance to continue their quest for grouper. 2
Both vessels laid out their fishing lines shortly after the fuel transfer. A crew member on the Dan’s Plan saw a small twin engine airplane flying low above the water and being pursued by a U.S. Customs airplane. 3 The planes were flying west and away from shore. About an hour later, both crews saw the small .twin engine airplane returning east, flying just yards above the water. On board the Duke, a crew member heard Koethe radio “low flying duck” while a crew member on board the Dan’s Plan heard Koethe radio “low flying bird.”. 4 The plane passed the Dan’s Plan first and as it passed near the Duke, square bales started falling from its cargo doors into the waters of the Gulf below. The plane continued to dump the bales roughly in a line until it reached the horizon. The bales were tan and contained packages of marijuana.
Both crews ceased their fishing activity; Reilly on the Dan’s Plan and Koethe on the Duke steered their vessels toward the line of bales. Both crews loaded several bales aboard their respective vessels but apparently without any coordination between the two crews. There were additional radio conversations between Koethe and Reilly after the drop, but none of the witnesses could testify as to what was said.
Shortly thereafter, both vessels headed for Dick’s Seafood dock in Madeira Beach. The Dan’s Plan arrived early the next morning before the Duke. Upon arrival, Reilly phoned Terry Dinninger, an acquaintance, to request his assistance in selling the marijuana. Dinninger in turn called John Albee. Soon thereafter a van arrived at the dock. The marijuana was then transferred from the vessel to the van. The van was owned by John Albee and the marijuana was taken to his house.
At Albee’s house, the marijuana was dried, rewrapped, and packaged. The marijuana remained at Albee’s house for nearly a week. During this time, Reilly and Heaton met with Dinninger to arrange for the distribution of the marijuana. The three agreed the marijuana would be sold to an acquaintance of Dinninger’s in Michigan. It was also agreed each crew member and Albee would receive $10,000.00 for -their participation in the venture.
The Duke arrived at Dick’s Seafood dock later on the same day the Dan’s Plan had arrived. Coy drove her Jeep to the dock and met the vessel upon its arrival. The Duke’s crew loaded the marijuana into Coy’s Jeep. Coy, along with Koethe and Duke crew members, then drove it to a home shared by Coy and Koethe. Within the week, Koethe paid at least two of his crew members $10,000.00 for their assistance with the marijuana.
Sometime thereafter, Wade Tappan arranged a purchase of some of the marijuana from Koethe. A local fisherman named Robert .Laeius met Tappan and delivered the marijuana to Tappan. Tappan then called Koethe to arrange payment for the marijuana. The next day, Coy went to Dick’s Seafood where Tappan worked. Tappan and Coy drove in separate vehicles to a place several blocks from Dick’s Seafood where Tappan placed a knapsack containing $14,-000.00 into Coy’s vehicle as payment for the marijuana.
On September 12, 1991, a federal grand jury in Tampa, Florida, returned a four-count indictment against Heaton, Reilly, Koethe, and Coy. Count one charged conspiracy to import marijuana in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 963 (1988), and count two charged importation of marijuana in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 952 (1988). Count three charged conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846 (1988), and count four charged possession with intent to distribute marijuana in viola *632 tion of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a) (1988). None of the counts alleged the quantity of marijuana involved. The indictment also sought forfeiture of the two vessels and the home owned by Coy.
■ The case proceeded to trial. At the close of the Government’s evidence, the court granted Heaton’s motion for judgment of acquittal on counts one and two. On December 10, 1992, the jury returned guilty verdicts against Heaton on counts three and four, against Reilly on all counts, and against Coy oh counts three and four. The jury subsequently returned a special verdict finding that the two vessels and Coy’s house were subject to forfeiture.
At the sentencing hearing, the court heard arguments concerning the propriety of imposing mandatory minimum sentences based on the quantity of marijuana involved. The court found that the amount of marijuana involved in the conspiracy 5 exceeded 1000 kilograms, but determined that the mandatory minimum provisions could not be applied to the defendants because of the Government’s failure to provide the defendants with sufficient pre-trial notice of its intent to seek such penalties. (R. 11 at 20). Subsequently the court sentenced Coy to forty-two months imprisonment on counts three and four, to run concurrently, and to a special parole term of two years on count four. The court sentenced Heaton to terms of five years imprisonment on counts three and four, to run concurrently, and a special parole term of two years on count four. The court sentenced Reilly to terms of imprisonment of five years on counts one and two, to run concurrently, and five- years as to counts three and four, to run concurrently with each other but consecutive with the sentences imposed on counts one and two. The court also imposed a special parole term of five years on counts three and four.
II. Issues on Appeal & Contentions of the Parties
All three defendants contend that there was a prejudicial variance between the indictment, which charged a single conspiracy, and the proof at trial, which they contend established separate conspiracies. In addition, Coy argues that the court violated her due process rights by giving a coercion instruction to the jury when coercion was not a theory of defense she relied upon. Coy also contends that the court erred in failing to sever her trial based on her need for exculpatory testimony from co-defendant Koethe. Heaton and Coy argue that the court erred in rejecting a Batson challenge to the Government’s peremptory strike of a black juror and in denying a motion for a bill of particulars. 6 Heaton also contends that the court erred in restricting the cross-examination of a Government witness and in ordering forfeiture of the Dan’s Plan. 7 In response, the Government maintains that all convictions should be affirmed.
Additionally, the Government contends that the district court imposed an illegally short custody sentence when it found that over 1000 kilograms of marijuana were involved in the conspiracy, but refused to impose mandatory minimum ten year sentences pursuant to 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(b)(l)(A)(vii) & 960(b)(1)(G). The defendants counter that the court correctly refused to impose the mandatory minimum penalty provisions because the Government failed to provide adequate notice to the defendants of its intent to seek penalties under these provisions.
III. Discussion
A Variance
The defendants argue that the indictment erroneously charged them with a single con- *633 spiraey and that the proof at trial revealed multiple conspiracies. Accordingly, they contend that no reasonable jury could have found that a single conspiracy existed. Because of this variance between the indictment and the proof at trial, the defendants argue, this court must vacate their conspiracy convictions.
As the defendants paint the picture, the airplane drop in the Gulf was a wholly unexpected and unplanned event. When the crews saw the drop, they separately picked the bales up, separately returned to Madeira Beach, and, ultimately, separately distributed their booty. Thus, the implication is that two conspiracies actually existed; one among the defendants associated with the Dan’s Plan and one among the defendants associated with the Duke.
We will not reverse convictions based on a variance unless the variance was (1) material and (2) substantially prejudiced the defendants.
United States v. Reed,
We conclude that no reasonable jury could have determined beyond a reasonable doubt that there was a single conspiracy. The evidence suggests two similar but separate conspiracies. However, we also conclude that no substantial prejudice resulted from the variance.
1. Single vs. Multiple Conspiracies
In determining whether the jury could have found a single conspiracy, we consider the following factors: “ ‘(1) whether a common goal existed, (2) the nature of the scheme underlying the crimes charged, and (3) the overlap of participants.’”
United States v. Adams,
After thoroughly reviewing the record, we conclude that a reasonable jury could not have determined beyond a reasonable doubt that a single conspiracy existed. There is simply an absence of evidence that the two vessels’ crews and owners coordinated the importation and subsequent distribution of the marijuana in question. Thé evidence suggests that two separate conspiracies in fact existed; one involving the crew of the Duke, Koethe, and Coy, and another involving the crew of the Dan’s Plan, Reilly, and Heaton. Application of the required three factors test strengthens our conclusion.
First, it is clear that all those involved shared a common goal to import and/or distribute this marijuana.
8
We emphasize that “common” for the purposes of this test means “similar” or “substantially the same” rather than “shared” or “coordinate.”
9
See Adams,
Second, although the importation schemes *634 were similar, 10 the distribution schemes were distinct. Once the crews brought the marijuana to shore, the two schemes became completely dissimilar. Separate vehicles, manned by separate personnel took the marijuana to separate locations. In turn, Heaton and Reilly sold their marijuana to a purchaser in Michigan while Coy and Koethe sold their marijuana to local customers.
Finally, there was no overlap of participants in the two separate conspiracies. The testimony at trial indicated that the two crews did not assist each other when picking up the marijuana from the water. (R. 6 at 90-92; R. 6 at 202-03; R.5 at 165-68). The only specific evidence at trial of communication between the vessels was a radio transmission of Koethe saying either “low flying bird” or “low flying duck.” (R.6 at 89; R.6 at 199-200). The only evidence of common assistance is the testimony of Curtis Joe Johnson, a member of the Duke’s crew, that Jarrat Lungren, from the crew of the Dan’s Plan, assisted the Duke’s crew in offloading their marijuana. (R.6-Í01).
Johnson’s testimony of common assistance, which we are bound to credit, is simply insufficient to establish the existence of a single conspiracy in this case.
See United States v. Harrison,
2. Substantial Prejudice
The finding that two conspiracies existed does not end the analysis. We next inquire whether this variance prejudiced the defendants’ substantial rights.
United States v. Reed,
Despite the defendants’ detailed arguments concerning the existence of multiple conspiracies rather than a single conspiracy, they fail to articulate what prejudice they suffered as' a result. After reviewing the record, we conclude that the defendants’ substantial rights were not prejudiced by this variance.
First, the defendants were not “unfairly surprised” at trial so as to be prevented from preparing an adequate defense. The crimes the indictment charged and the crimes the separate conspirators committed were identical. Had the indictment charged separate conspiracies, rather than a single conspiracy, it is unlikely the defenses would have varied in any material manner.
See Jones,
Second, the defendants have not been prejudiced by any improper transfers of evidence between them. This case does not present a complicated factual scenario with multiple defendants and conspiracies that might lead to significant jury confusion in applying the evidence.
See Reed,
B. Coy’s & Heaton’s Other Alleged Errors
We have considered the additional issues presented by Coy and Heaton and conclude that they are without merit and do not warrant further discussion. See 11th Cir. Rule 36-1.
C. Government’s Petition for Mandamus for Correction of Sentences
The Government initially challenged the sentences in this case by appeal, alleging that this court had jurisdiction under 18 U.S.C. § 3742(b)(1) (1988) and 28 U.S.C. § 1291 (1988). After inquiry from the bench and further briefing, the Government conceded that these statutes do not provide this court with jurisdiction over its attempted appeal. Section 3742(b)(1) confers appellate jurisdiction over Government appeals “if the séntence was in violation of law.” 18 U.S.C. § 3742(b)(1) (1988). However, section 3742 applies, only to offenses committed after its effective date of November 1,
1987. Sentencing Act of 1987,
Pub.L. No. 100-182, § 2,101 Stat. 1266 (1987);
United States v. Martinez-Zayas,
The Government has asked that we treat its ineffective appeal in this ease as a petition for mandamus relief. We may treat an ineffective appeal as a petition for a writ of mandamus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1651(a) (1988) in appropriate cases.
See, e.g., Dobard v. Johnson,
Mandamus ... is an extraordinary remedy reserved for extraordinary situations ... but the limited availability of the writ does not preclude our examination of an attempted appeal to determine whether the action appealed from reflected the sort of abuse of discretion which would render the writ appropriate.
In order to be entitled to a writ of mandamus, a party must demonstrate that no other remedy is available and that it has a “clear and indisputable” right to the writ’s issuance.
In re Capital Cities/ABC, Inc.,
The Government argues that the sentences in this case were illegally short because the district court refused to impose the mandatory minimum provisions of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(b)(l)(A)(vii)
&
960(b)(1)(G) after finding that more than 1000 kilograms of marijuana were involved in the conspiracy. We review the propriety of a district court’s application and interpretation of federal statutes
de novo. See United States v. Huppert,
The language of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(b)(l)(A)(vii) & 960(b)(1)(G) clearly provides that any person convicted of distributing or importing more than 1000 kilograms of marijuana shall be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years imprisonment. The district court found that more than 1000 kilograms were involved in the offenses (R. 11 at 22) but concluded that mandatory minimum sentences should not be imposed because the Government had failed to give the defendants pre-trial notice of its intent to seek such penalties. (R. 11 at 20). The court reached this conclusion based on its belief in the continued viability of
United States v. Alvarez,
In
Alvarez,
we held that for purposes of the enhanced sentencing provisions of 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1) (1982), the quantity of marijuana involved was a critical element of the offense.
Alvarez’s
apparent conflict with
Cross, Williams,
and
Smith
was explained in our recent decision in
United States v. Perez,
The district court recognized Alvarez’s, apparent conflict with Cross, but reasoned that Alvarez still had some continuing viability. (R. 11 at 20). Based on this belief, the court held that the defendants were entitled to pre *637 trial notice of the Government’s intent to seek mandatory minimum sentences under § 841(b)(1)(B). We conclude that the court erred in this determination and that the Government is entitled to mandamus relief.
As previously discussed, the quantity of drugs involved in a defendant’s prosecution under § 841 or § 960 is not an element of the offense that need be pled or proven at trial, but an issue for the court to determine at the sentencing phase.
See, e.g., Perez,
In
Perez,
the court found “the Government’s responses to the standing discovery order adequately put the defendants on notice of the quantity ... allegedly involved.”
Id.
at 1474-75. In this case, the pre-sen-tence investigation reports on each of the defendants indicated that “approximately 3000 pounds of marijuana” (well over 1000 kilograms) was involved.
13
(Defs. Present. Rep. at 3). Therefore, the defendants had notice of the quantity involved; this necessarily gave them notice that, under 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(b)(l)(A)(vii) & 960(b)(1)(G), they faced ten year mandatory minimum sentences if quantity was proven at sentencing. The defendants were not entitled to further notice of the Government’s “intent” to seek ten year mandatory minimum sentences because under 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(b)(l)(A)(vii) & 960(b)(1)(G) this was the sentence the district court was
required
to impose if the alleged quantity was proven at sentencing. As explained in
Perez,
if quantity is established by a preponderance of the evidence at sentencing and all due process requirements are met, “courts are constrained to apply the sentencing framework established by statute.”
Hence, the Government is entitled to mandamus relief as the sentences imposed were illegal under §§ 841(b)(l)(A)(vii) & 960(b)(1)(G) based on the court’s determination of quantity.
See United States v. Huss,
Having found that two separate conspiracies existed, we necessarily conclude that the district court erred in attributing the total amount of marijuana involved in both conspiracies to each of the defendants. At re-sentencing the district court should determine the amount of marijuana attributable to each of the defendants in light of this opinion. Should the amount exceed 100 kilograms, a five year mandatory minimum sentence will be applicable. 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(b)(l)(B)(vii) & 960(b)(2)(G). Should the amount exceed 1000 kilograms, a ten year mandatory minimum sentence will be applicable. 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(b)(l)(A)(vii) & 960(b)(1)(G).
TV. Conclusion
We affirm the defendants’ convictions and grant the Government’s petition for mandamus. Accordingly, we vacate the defendants’ sentences and remand to the district court for resentencing consistent with this opinion. The mandatory minimum sentence provisions of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(b)(1) & 960(b) will be applicable if the court determines that a de *638 fendant is chargeable with an amount of marijuana that triggers these provisions.
AFFIRMED IN PART; PETITION FOR MANDAMUS GRANTED; VACATED IN PART AND REMANDED.
Notes
. Due to medical problems, Koethe was tried separately.
. Grouper is a delicious fish indigenous to the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
. This was also witnessed by Larry Gardner, a Government witness who was fishing on a vessel within radio distance of the Duke and the Dan’s Plan. (R.7 at 117).
.Gardner testified to hearing Koethe say “low flying duck” also. (R.7 at 107). Gardner also testified that shortly thereafter, he heard someone say “it [is] raining square grouper” but could not identify the voice. (Id.). "Square grouper” is a slang term in the fishing business that means floating bales of marijuana. (R.7 at 134).
. The court also noted that the juiy had made a determination that a single conspiracy existed and therefore the total amount of marijuana involved would be attributable to each of the co-conspirators. (R.11 at 21-22).
. After oral argument in this case. Coy filed a motion, which we subsequently granted, wherein she adopts Heaton's Batson argument, his bill of particulars argument, and his variance argument.
.We note that Reilly’s reply brief, for the first time, attempts to raise the improper restriction of cross-examination argument. Arguments raised for the first time in a reply brief are not properly before a reviewing court.
United States v. Oakley,
. By this statement, we do not suggest that the acquittal of Coy and Heaton on the importation charges was incorrect.
. If "common” took on this later meaning, there would be little need for further analysis.
. The actions of the vessels were not identical after the crews retrieved the bales from the Gulf. Testimony at trial revealed that after loading the marijuana, the Duke’s crew continued to fish for some time before heading for Madeira Beach. (R.6 at 59). The Dan's Plan, on the other hand, .headed directly for Madeira Beach after loading the marijuana. (R.6 at 205).
. In
Bonner v. City of Prichard,
. Apparently the Government also concedes that 28 U.S.C. § 1291 is similarly unavailing as jurisdiction for its appeal.
. Additionally, a review of the trial transcript reveals that the defendants’ counsels all had notice of the ten year mandatory minimum sentences. Throughout the trial, defense counsels questioned Government witnesses on their knowledge of the ten year mandatory minimum penalty each defendant faced. (R.6 at 54; R.6 at 153; R.8 at 143)
Perhaps the most telling statement is that of Coy's counsel, when she attempted to argue to the court at the close of the Government’s case that weight was an issue the Government had to prove at trial. The following excerpt, concerning a statement made at a pre-trial bail hearing, indicates that the defendants had notice of the weight and the mandatory minimum sentences:
MS JAMES: He [Government's attorney] stood before the magistrate and told the magistrate that this is a minimum mandatory case, your honor, because it involves over 3,000 pounds of marijuana.
(R.8 at 178) (emphasis added).