The WvS Penal Code and the 2023 Penal Code still maintain the death penalty as a last resort in dealing with serious crimes. One of them is narcotics crime which is still a problem for Indonesia and other countries. so that in its eradication and handling requires cooperation with other countries. In the enactment of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, where the death penalty is still enforced. The selection of penal means in tackling crime to obtain a deterrent effect for the community and for the convict himself so as not to commit a criminal offense again (preventing repetition of criminal acts). The emphasis is on repressive efforts against criminals. This research uses juridical-normative method. The maintenance of the death penalty is a criminal law policy in tackling serious crimes as a preventive and repressive effort.