A newly-launched sentencing review will consider whether to bring in tougher punishment for dealing fentanyl – following a campaign for Robert’s Law.

It comes after 18-year-old Deal resident Robert Fraser was killed by the deadly drug, which is 50 times stronger than heroin.

His mum Michelle Parry has been working with Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke to bring in Robert's Law – tougher custodial sentences for people caught supplying fentanyl and other super-strength opioids.

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Mr Elphicke had a recent meeting with Justice Minister Rory Stewart, who confirmed the Sentencing Council had begun its review.

The Minister also praised the Robert’s Law campaign and said he would seriously consider the review’s recommendations.

Mr Elphicke said: “I’m incredibly pleased the authorities have listened to us and looked to take action so swiftly.

“Normally these things take years. Yet our campaign – driven by Michelle’s love for her son and passion for the cause – has made people stand up and take note

“All drugs are dangerous, but these new opioids are on a whole different level. We must get them off our streets. Dealers must know they will be punished for the misery they inflict.”

Mr Elphicke wrote to the Sentencing Council asking for a review of its guidelines this was announced in February.

The Sentencing Council’s chairman also asked the Crown Prosecution Service to meanwhile consider updating its guidance.

The Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders wrote to Mr Elphicke shortly afterwards, setting out new official guidance.

It mentioned fentanyl for the first time and dedicated almost 600 words to the deadly drug, instructing prosecutors to ask judges for tougher sentences.

Fentanyl killed 20,000 people in the US last year — up from 3,000 in 2014.

Mrs Parry said: “I can’t believe the progress we’ve made already. It gives me hope we can bring in Robert’s Law and save lives.

“Robert was not an addict. But with fentanyl three grains of the stuff will kill you, and it is creeping into everything.

“That’s why we need Robert’s Law. It means my son mattered. It can be my boy’s legacy.”

Robert, of St Francis Close, died after taking fentanyl in November 2016.

An inquest later concluded that he had taken unintentional overdose of the drug, which is a synthetic opiod.