---------------------------------- 14793 **************** UNIT TO EXPAND DRILLING BROOKLYN, N.Y., April 13 - Brooklyn Union Gas Co's Brooklyn Union Exploration Co Inc unit said it entered a 200 mln dlr three-year gas and oil exploration and development venture with Smith Offshore Exploration Co. The agreement calls for drilling of 10 to 12 offshore wells per year, primarily in the Gulf of Mexico area off the Texas and Louisiana coasts and 30 to 40 onshore Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast wells.