United States of America, Plaintiff-appellee, v. Irshad Faruq Abdulla, Defendant-appellant, 16 F.3d 412 (4th Cir. 1994)

OPINION

PER CURIAM

Irshad Faruq Abdulla appeals the 84-month sentence imposed on him following his guilty plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine and heroin in violation of 21 U.S.C.A. Sec. 846 (West Supp.1993). His attorney has filed a brief in accordance with Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738 (1967), challenging the extent of the district court's downward departure, but stating that, in his view, there are no meritorious issues for appeal.

Abdulla has filed a supplemental pro se brief in which he also contends that the district court did not depart as far as it should have below the 120-month mandatory minimum sentence on the government's motion for a departure based on substantial assistance. United States Sentencing Commission, Guidelines Manual, Sec. 5K1.1 (Nov.1992).

A defendant may not appeal the extent of a downward departure. See e.g., United States v. Pomerleau, 923 F.2d 5 (1st Cir. 1991). Therefore, we lack jurisdiction to review the issue raised by counsel and by Abdulla in his supplemental brief. As required by Anders, we have independently reviewed the record below and find no other meritorious issues for appeal. Accordingly, we affirm the conviction and sentence.

Pursuant to the plan adopted by the Fourth Circuit Judicial Council in implementation of the Criminal Justice Act of 1964 (18 U.S.C.A. Sec. 3006A (West 1985 & Supp.1993)), this Court requires that counsel inform his client, in writing, of his right to petition the Supreme Court for further review. If requested by his client to do so, counsel should prepare a timely petition for a writ of certiorari.

We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the record and briefs, and oral argument would not aid the decisional process.

AFFIRMED.